Iron and Manganese supplementation

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Hi Bob,

I'm wondering if you could provide some insight on adding these two elements to a reef tank. I have been experiencing some tissue loss and poor coloration in several LPS lately and am wondering if a deficiency in these may be the culprit. There are my thoughts:

1. I previously dosed these in the form of Two Little Fishies Iron and a few months after stopping the symptoms developed
2. Information on Mn supplementation in The Reef Aquarium Vol 3.
3. I am suspicious that my two large Tridacna clams may be more efficient at sequestering Mn and therefore the LPS are suffering.

Please provide any info you can share on these elements... especially a DIY formula (if there is one).

Thanks,
Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I think I have my answer. At least in part if not whole...

Got my water tested at the LFS and have nitrates at 50 ppm! I guess Superfeeder automatic fish feeder also means super nitrates! Feeder shut down and water change city here I come.

I would still be interested in peoples thoughts on dosing Fe and Mn though.

Tom

[BeakerBob]

Tom,
I don't think that your problems are related to iron or Mn sequestering by the clams. Your nitrates may be the problem as you have indicated. If you are doing regular water changes with a brand salt, there should be enough iron and Mn available.

I have supplemented with iron & Mn on and off through the years and have not noticed much difference in the corals or livestock, with the exception of the macro algae. I started supplementing when I could not get good macro algae growth and that solved my problem.