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I just found out that my tapwater has a high level of iron in it. I don't know the exact amount, but it's been high for sometime now. I was wondering, what are the effects on the fish? Also, will Aqua Plus water conditioner neutralize the iron? I'm getting a larger tank, 130 gallon, in about a week, and i want to make sure i'm not making a HUGE mistake. Thanks, advice greatly appreciated.<img src='/images/forums/eek.gif' border=0>

Hi,
We too have too much iron in our well water. Our EPA
recommends no more than 0.08 iron in the drinking water
ours is 0.083. No big deal to my way of thinking, however
my wife ( and I) also dislike the rust staining that occurs
on the sink and bathroom fixtures. So, we will be adding
a water treatment assemmbly large enough to handle the
entire home, to our list of things to do.

I did a search and here are two of many sites:

http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/ironFS.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18865

I see nothing wrong with high iron in the water as far
as the fish are concerned. As long as we can drink it,
its fine for the fish.
It seems to be more of an asthetic problem than a health
problem for the majority of the population.

Frank



Last edited by FRANK at 05-Feb-2005 15:22

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

My water treatment is able to handle a reading of 5, mine is at 8. Obviously I have no clue to what that means, only that my system can't take all the iron out that should be taken out. I do have the staining in my fixtures, but the water tastes fine. I do plan on getting my system upgraded, it's on my list of things to do. Thank you for easing my mind, I guess I'll still be getting my new tank.

iron in the water is great for plants
theyll help take it out of the water
all living things pocess iron its not a bad thing for fish

Hi,
Actually it depends upon the type of iron that is in the
water. What I have generally stains sinks and toilets,
discolors brass, and will color any debris that gets
caught in the bacteria that forms on the tank glass.
In the extreme, it can also color the silicone that is
used to hold the tank together.

Plants prefer the free iron (Fe2+ and Fe3+).

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

We have very high iron in our tap water also. My understanding is that if your water conditioner binds heavy metals, it will take it out. (I got that from a professional who works in aquaculture, so I assume it's true.)