Aquarium Glossary: Chelated iron
Plants need iron to produce chlorophyll, which is necessary for healthy cell function and gives the plant its green color. If you see your aquarium plants turning yellowish, it could be because of an iron deficiency.
Simply put, chelated iron is iron that has undergone a chemical/ pharmaceutical process called chelation, where the iron molecule to bonded to another substance, usually an amino acid to make it easier for the animals and plants to digest, assimilate and utilize.
Iron from dietary sources is bound to amino acids naturally, and this process is an attempt to mimic the way minerals occur naturally in the diet.
Chelated iron is available in liquid, powder, or granulated form, and you should check with your aquarium shop, as to which would be the best one for you.
Must reads:
Glossary – Activated Carbon
