Nail the tank?

[lipadj46]

the nail rusting does not produce much useable soluble iron, more mess than it is worth. You want chelated iron. You can get a pound of chelated iron (in EDTA or DPTA) for $10 that will last a lifetime.

 

[octavusprime]

I would avoid the EDTA as it can cause PH instabilities.

 

[lipadj46]

I would avoid the EDTA as it can cause PH instabilities.

not true at least in the amounts you would add to fert a planted tank.

 

[octavusprime]

not true at least in the amounts you would add to fert a planted tank.

Just something I have read multiple times on forums but we all know how the internet can be a haven for misinformation...

 

[lipadj46]

Just something I have read multiple times on forums but we all know how the internet can be a haven for misinformation...

Probably what they are talking about is that if you use EDTA vs DPTA depending on your pH and KH. Simplifying things low pHs favor the use of EDTA (more iron will stay in solution) and if your pH is over 7 use DPTA. Most EI folks split the difference and use both.

 

[octavusprime]

Ahhh that makes sense. I may want to use both since I hover around 6.8-7.2 depending on when I last water changed.

 

[Guppy's_Hell]

I chickened out and bought flourish tabs...