How do I know what my iodine levels are? I am reading that blood shrimp need this (so much to learn!!). Is there a test kit like a ph one or do I need to get some at the LFS? I use RO water and reef crystals salt.
iodine
- Thread starter Robin Alv
- Start date
honestly I don't feel that you need to dose any iodine if you are using a quality salt product. Your tank really shouldn't go through using more of this than what you can replace with just normal good tank maintenance. Since you are using RC just keep up the changes and you should be ok.
If you are doing 20% then yes. If not increase it to 20%.. I do 10+/- % weekly personally. But I also have corals and softies and want to maintain more of an equalibrium in my tank.
I agree, you should not have a need to dose iodine...To add, yes, you can buy a test kit for this trace element...Salifert make them....
I don't recommend adding iodine for a variety of reasons:
1) a ton is added via food
2) it is nearly impossible to test for the different forms of iodine accurately, especially since it speciates into various molecules in seawater. A lot can also be complexed in with various organics.
3) Shrimp and crustaceans in general, contrary to what is believed, do not do better with added iodine. In fact, they go through great lengths to remove what is absorbed from the water out of their bodies via molting. This is also why they molt more frequently with adde iodine--it is a toxin, it isn't helping them. Actually, they get more than enough iodine for various processes, etc. via their foods. This isn't going to be that big of a shocker, but the research showing that crustaceans use iodine to molt (as well as an adaptation to get rid of iodine) was referring only to dietary iodine, not dissolved iodine.
In the end, I agree that any needed iodine is supplied from foods and salt mixes. There really isn't any other need for it and there is little evidence that things actually need it, other than from their diet.
1) a ton is added via food
2) it is nearly impossible to test for the different forms of iodine accurately, especially since it speciates into various molecules in seawater. A lot can also be complexed in with various organics.
3) Shrimp and crustaceans in general, contrary to what is believed, do not do better with added iodine. In fact, they go through great lengths to remove what is absorbed from the water out of their bodies via molting. This is also why they molt more frequently with adde iodine--it is a toxin, it isn't helping them. Actually, they get more than enough iodine for various processes, etc. via their foods. This isn't going to be that big of a shocker, but the research showing that crustaceans use iodine to molt (as well as an adaptation to get rid of iodine) was referring only to dietary iodine, not dissolved iodine.
In the end, I agree that any needed iodine is supplied from foods and salt mixes. There really isn't any other need for it and there is little evidence that things actually need it, other than from their diet.
Interesting...I ask about the iodine because one sight I went to stated that they need it to molt regularly and healthily (sp.?). Sounds like the other side of the coin is they molt frequently to get rid of toxins. I certainly don't want to add toxins. As to the weekly water changes -- I might change to that. I have some closed up corals from a change and I think the smaller weekly changes would be easier on them. I do weekly changes in my FW tanks anyway - Might as well add one more.
Right - it doesn't add much more time each week to be honest. I prepare the water in advance anyway - just get the salt ready the night before should do it!
The site is correct when it says they need it, but as others have said we typically add it via salt mixes and even food.