The manufacturer informs:

Overview

It provides iron in both ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) form to maximise its benefits in planted aquaria.

A two-tiered approach to iron supplementation consisting of an ingredient that provides iron immediately and another that gradually releases it during the light cycle, with the lights on.

Stronger than the 50% of most competing products.

Formulated on the basis of extensive research into the nutritional needs of aquatic plants.

Technical Background

Iron is an essential element for plants, both aquatic and terrestrial: it is used in the production of chlorophyll and activates certain enzymes that take part in metabolic reactions; however, it does all this at very low concentrations. Iron is considered a micronutrient, and is often the limiting element for plant production in some aquatic environments. This can be demonstrated by observing the increased growth rates that occur when Iron is administered in systems where it was previously unmeasurable. Although this increase in growth may be desired when supplemented in excess, it is not uncommon to notice increased algae growth. This is particularly likely to occur in aquaria with an excess of nitrate and phosphate. As already mentioned, Iron is also essential for the production of chlorophyll, which in turn is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. An Iron deficiency presents itself outwardly to the fan with yellowing of the plant leaves, sometimes even turning transparent. In more advanced stages, the leaves may disintegrate under a gentle stream of water. Although these conditions can also be caused by other chemical and environmental factors, it is apparently more often the result of an Iron deficiency (note that K, Mg and N are also important).

Brightwell Aquatics Florin-Fe provides Iron in two stages: immediate and delayed. This is done through the natural biological and photochemical reactions that occur in all aquaria, and lead to a more stable Iron concentration than is achieved with other methods of liquid Iron supplementation. It is recommended that iron supplementation be carried out daily rather than weekly. Doing so helps to maintain a more stable Iron concentration (as opposed to large doses) which will allow the element to be used gradually by the plants. In addition, this type of dosing will minimise the possibility of unwanted algal blooms, which is possible with large doses of Iron administered in a single application, creating a situation where the Iron is, albeit temporarily, in a state of excessive overabundance. Daily dosing also allows the hobbyist to witness the changes taking place in the aquarium in a short period of time, allowing him to increase or decrease the Iron dosage according to what conditions dictate; this is not easy, or probably not even possible, when dosing every 7 days, in which case changes can be drastic rather than gentle and the perceived need for Iron in the aquarium becomes much more difficult to determine.

Instructions and Guidelines

Shake the product well before use. The most effective method for using a supplement of a specific ion is to determine the concentration of that ion in the aquarium before administering it. 

Beginners: Dose 5 ml of product per approximately 189 litres (50 gallons) of aquarium water every other day or as needed; this corresponds to 1 ml (~8 drops) per 37.9 litres (10 gallons). When used in this manner, 250 ml of product treats up to 9464 litres (2500 gallons) of water. Maintain iron concentrations within a range of 0.05-0.10 ppm.

Attention: Keep out of reach of children. Not suitable for human use.

Guaranteed analyses

0-0-0; Iron (Fe) (min) 1.20% (355 mg/oz.; 12,000 ppm)

Source of nutrients Ferrous gluconate, Iron EDTA.

Other ingredients: Purified water.