Borneman, Eric H. “Aquarium Corals; Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History” (TFH Publications, 2001).
Iron plays a crucial role in chlorophyll production.
Chlorophyll, a pigment found in the zooxanthellae, is responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. It has a blue and red light absorption photochemical reaction and a green light reflectance and thus displays intense coloration on the corals. Chlorophyll molecular units are a key element of the photosynthetic pathway since they function as antennas that absorb photons (light particles) and deliver the energy to other molecules involved in photosynthesis.
It is a key building block of the porphyrin ring structure, the core of the chlorophyll molecule. Iron is needed for chlorophyll formation, and a lack of iron may result in less chlorophyll production in coral, which gives rise to pale or bleached appearance.
Fenner, Robert. “The Conscientious Marine Aquarist.” TFH Publications, 2001).
How much iron to give depends on several of the parameters including the size of your aquaristic and the species and amount of marine life it contains. Starting with a low dose about 0.1 ppm (parts per million) and gradually increasing to 0.2 ppm if required is a general guideline. Iron supplements for reef aquaria are commercially available in either chelated iron formulations to make iron available to corals while reducing precipitation. Iron dosing should be administered regularly but in moderation. Splitting the recommended dose into smaller increments and then slowly delivering them over time keeps iron levels relatively constant, avoiding sharp changes that can potentially stress corals.
Periodic measurement of iron homeostasis is crucial to maintain a healthy and balanced reef aquarium. Accurate iron test kits to determine the concentration iron content are available. Monitoring can take place weekly or every other week depending on the stability of the aquarium and the rate of coral growth. Treatment regimen modifications may be made according to test result, with the goal of keeping iron concentration at an appropriate level.
The advantages of adequate iron dose is the increased growth and the brighter colouration of SPS corals. Iron can enhance the proliferation of zooxanthellae, the symbiotic microorganisms inhabiting coral tissues that supply most of the energy to the coral with photosynthesis.
However, overdosing iron has risks. Excess iron can cause the proliferation of harmful algae, potentially smothering corals and other marine life. Water flea or mayfly and also toxic fish at high concentrations.
One risk for iron overdose is the precipitation of insoluble precipitates in the water. These precipitates may accumulate on corals, blocking access to light and other nutrients for transpirational loss, both detrimental to their health and vigor.
Wile iron dosing may be beneficial for SPS corals but this should be done with great care, where the iron concentration in the aquarium is carefully monitored. Each of the aquariums is different, and therefore what can be successful in one may not be successful in the other. Therefore, conduct research, experiment carefully.
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