iodine for corals (1 Viewer)

[darrin]

so... corals need iodine.. pet stores sell iodine... so do drugstores.... what's the difference?

d

 

[AnnetteG]

here's an article I found:

http://www.reefs.org/library/article/e_edelman2.html

 

[AquaNerd]

there's really no difference except concentration. the typical aquarium iodine is very diluted...except in lugols and other specialty high concentration iodine solution. hospital iodine may need to be diluted or used in very small amounts.

 

[Guest]

Corals and other inverts need iodine? Who says so? And from that article that was linked -

" much of our information comes from hobbiests and product manufacturers. "

I should not have to say more, but there is nothing to show that such a thing (iodine requirements) has any validity. How come I never add it and yet my corals are just fine and my inverts molt just fine? but if I were to listen to the manufacturers and hobbyists that want to see an improvement so badly that they tend to see one wether it occurs or not, then my corals and other inverts should be in dire need of Iodides. About the only thing known that uses iodides are algae and some soft corals, and that usage is most likely a chemical defense against being chewed upon than anything else. So why add it?

Chuck

 

[Guest]

They dont need much. And without testing for it you would never know if it does and in what amount. To much can kill fast.

Regular water changes and a smaller load then it may never be needed.
Never add anything you cant test for.

 

[AquaNerd]

They dont need much. And without testing for it you would never know if it does and in what amount. To much can kill fast.

Regular water changes and a smaller load then it may never be needed.
Never add anything you cant test for.

agreed 100%. you really don't need to add iodine to your tank. if you do regular water changes then you should be fine.

one thing you can use iodine for is coral dipping. for example, if you follow the instructions on the back of a kent marine lugol's solution, then you will kill off parasites that may hitch hike in on your corals. just simply place the coral in some water (preferably a gallon or so) and add 40 drops of lugol's to the water. let it sit for 10-15 minutes and you'll notice a lot of dead invertebrates such as amphipods, nudibranchs, flatworms, bristleworms, etc. that's about the only thing iodine is good for though...as an additive anyways.

 

[Guest]

Only time I use Iodine is for dipping new zoas and iodine is only in my tank through either the salt mix or through my dosing of Seachem reef plus.

 

[devonian]

it has been shown though, that Xenia sp. do benefit from regular additions of iodine

 

[Guest]

It appears as I should have suspected that it is the type of iodide compound and amounts being used that is the bugger of it all. In due time I will have to see what new, if any, findings may have come to light over the last few years.

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=3

Chuck

 

[Guest]

Xenia dont need any extra help. And i thought it wasnt known how they receive there needed nutrients.

it has been shown though, that Xenia sp. do benefit from regular additions of iodine

 

[Guest]

Well.....In my last tank xenia smothered the back wall and I didn't dose Iodine, would hate to see what it would do with it.