Should I add more Iron?Updated 2 months ago

The iron content in the APT formula is sufficient. In tanks using APT, excess iron remaining in the water column can be easily detected by accurate iron test kits. Iron only helps to maintain pigmentation. Contrary to popular belief, excess iron does not improve the pigmentation of red plants. Our 2Hr tanks do not receive any additional iron other than what is in the APT.

Pigmentation in plants is linked to many factors, including light intensity, temperature and, in some species, nitrate limitation. Iron sufficiency is also a factor, but it is one of the easiest variables to fulfil when it comes to red plants.

The deep reds of our 2hr tanks come from a combination of high light levels (200umols PAR at substrate), nitrate limitation in the water column and maintaining long term tank stability. This tank uses the standard dosage of APT 3 (3ml per 100 litres of water), APT Jazz in the substrate and APT Sky in the water column, with no other additives.