Iodine?

[Mrs. Warden]

I'm still new at this so please don't bite my head off for not knowing this, educate me!, but why do some of you add iodine and some don't, what's it supposed to do for the tanks?

I've got a 20, skimmer (Lees, will upgrade when I get the cash), I'm using power compact lighting I think I've got 70-80 watts? Any way to check the lighting to tell exactly how many? is it on the lights? (I go to a very good LFS, and though I can't recall what my wattage is, I know it's strong enough to have anything I want in my tanks, including clams), Ebo Jager heater set at 77, 1 power head (will be getting another shortly). My tank seems to be doing great, all my paramaters are just where they should be. Will iodine make my corals take off better? I've got mushrooms, xenia, a hammer coral, and a brain coral. Oh... I also have one velvet damsel and two small percula clowns (who, by the way are dumb as rocks but very pretty, they ignore the xenia and the hammer coral but seem very attached to the powerhead).

Hugs, Ell

[Bigfish]

Ma'am,
I don't believe that you will have to worry about anyone biting your head off in this discussion board. This seems to be a pretty polite crowd.

The main reason that some add and some don't is pretty much the same as why some people use one type of filtration and others use another. Different opinions, different experience, different livestock. For a detailed explanation of Iodine as a supplement, I would recommend reading: http://www.reefs.org/library/article/e_edelman2.html
It is an article about Iodine supplementing by Eric Edelman and is pretty explanatory but still leaves the decision up to you.
I have always added iodine in my reef tanks so I cannot offer any comparison to not adding.

As for the lighting, if you look at your bulbs or ballast, the model number should reveal the wattage. Depending on the make of your lighting, the location in the model number may vary but typically the bulbs come in 9, 13, 28, 55, or 96 watts. If you have trouble deciphering the model number, go to: http://www.marinedepot.com/ and compare.

I would speculate that you have the 2x55W PC's if you have a 20 gallon. That would work out to 5.5 watts of light per gallon. You may have people argue that more light is needed to keep clams and some of the more shallow water species. I have personally witnessed small T. Maxima clams thriving under that same set but would strongly recommend you read a good book on clams before attempting to keep them. Try "Giant Clams" by Daniel Knop.

It certainly sounds to me like your tank is doing well! Do some searching and ask around when you go to upgrade your skimmer. If you need a hang-on-the-back, the same 20gal that had the 2x55W PC's was using a CPR Bakpack with success (2cents).

Hope all of that helps!
Regards,
Scott

Ell, iodine is a trace element that is present in salt water and most quality reef foods. In most cases water changes and feeeding provide all that is needed. In large amounts it is a very powerful,toxic antiseptic, usefull as a dip for treating some fish and invert problems, particularly cuts,scrapes and tears( too bad there is no REEF BACTINE)
A couple problems with adding it routinely. It is very difficult to measure in the tank, as the test kits are not real accurate and it can occur in one of 3 different forms:
Iodine, Iodide, and or Iodate(you thought calc/alk was a tough one)
My advice is if you decide to add it, go sparingly, dose at much less than mfgr recommendations and watch for adverse effects and sudden algae blooms

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I thought I was me, but I was wrong

[BA]

No easy answer to the iodine controversy. I add it sparingly, in the form of the supplement called "Combi-san." I believe that most authorities claim it is most important for soft corals. It can cause algae to really get out of hand--and so I wonder if it's also beneficial for corals' symbiotic algae. I have personally noticed an increase in corals' color with iodine supplement.

As far as light is concerned, I think you can handle clams if you have 110 watts over a 20 gal. tank. I have 220 watts of pc over an 18" deep 37 gal, and have had good clam growth--but don't forget to add calcium and keep the alkalinity up.

Best,
BA

[This message has been edited by BA (edited 09-15-2000).]

[Ralph Santangelo]

Hi
What foods contain iodine ?
Thanks
Ralph

[horge]

Hi Mrs. Warden

The concentration of iodine in NSW (natural seawater) is far too low to justify some of the dosages recommended by a number of authors --IF mimicry of NSW is the objective. However, as Doug pointed out, iodine has a very useful prophylactic effect. In cases of infection, above-normal concentration of iodine can make all the difference: useful if your focus is propagation, which involves regular damage to live tissue. (I propagate, but haven't had to dose iodine, though).


Hi Ralph

Seafood mostly (shellfish, crustaceans, fish, etc), including algae (even nori flakes according to some).
Even some terrestrial root crops (yams, etc.) can contain iodine (they sorb it from the soil, which may at one time have been under the sea).

[FishDaddy]

Ell,
I have read and reread articles and discussion group threads on dosing trace elements and I cannot say I'm convinced that I should add any of them except that contained in IO saltmix through regular water changes. I've yet to see any scientific study, or reference to one, that proves such additives are necessary beyond that contained in a good mix. In fact, some of the rationale for adding Iodine and other traces, such as Strontium, is based on detection of the elements in dead coral skeletons. To me, this only proves that the elements were present, not that they were even desirable. Neither have I seen anything that tells me just how much is the right amount to add based on hard data. Another problem is the lack of accurate testing equipment reasonably available to the hobbyist that will show exactly how much iodine is present. There is a real potential for overdosing because we don't know how much is enough; too much or even whether its necessary at all!
Since many report good results it could indicate dosing does help though just as likely that people who dose are fastidious reefkeepers whose corals are likely to do well anyway. This seems to be an area where experts and experienced reefers alike are in disagreement.
Until convinced otherwise by scientific study based on hard data, I'll stick to regular water changes and Kalk to take care of the trace elements in my water.
Dick

[MiNdErAsR]

I totally agree with Fishdaddy here. All the claims that this coral & that coral *need* iodine supplements are false IMO. While it is true that all living creatures require iodine (in one form or another) to live, if you feed your tank and do water changes regularly, iodine additions are unnecessary.

I haven't added anything but food & top off water (RO/DI) to my tank in years. Trace elements are more than taken care if with my calcium reactor. My tank is thriving, with good growth, and the occaisional spawn event. Click on the link below to see for yourself.

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Jim Fox
http://www.geekopolis.com/reef/nos4a2/

In the sea of life, you're just a minnow...you live your life, insecure...

[Ralph Santangelo]

Thank you horge for answering my question about what foods contain iodine.
Thanks again
Ralph