[rlcline76]

I'm out to lunch on the whole topic. My iodine/iodide test revealed that I am at 0ppm as far as water goes. I know some of you out there are using it, and many others avoid it. Your opinions please.

[ACE]

I heard that certain corals require iodine as for what type I am not sure.

[jvharding]

I use Lugol's solution with great success! 1 dose a week is all I need!

[rlcline76]

I was under the impression that lugols would be a little much for a 20 gallon, though. I thought it was something like 1 drop per 55 gallons????? Right now all I am using is Kent's Essential Elements once every 2 weeks.

[jvharding]

1 drop per 25 Gallons. It may be I also have used the kent product but i do not remember the dose I'll check it out!

[rlcline76]

about 5ml per 25 gallons for Kent Marine Tech I, which means I could probably get by with half of that dose. I haven't decided as to what I want to do. I have too much time to think about how I can make these tanks perfect...

[Kevin W]

i have been using iodine since i started corals and shrimp need iodine i dose 1-2 capfulls a week of kent marine iodine it helps the growth of purple coraline alge also

[Six-line Wrasse]

Weekly water changes replenish a tank's iodine/iodide. Bi-weekly or monthly water changes will probably require supplementation.

[ACE]

I use Kent's Essential Elements once every week I think they are very good products!!!

[e_baer]

I use Julian Sprungs Iodine concentrate. 1 capful a week for my 55 gal. And most soft corals need iodine as do shrimp and other critters that molt.

[rlcline76]

My invertebrates molt without supplementation.

[e_baer]

yeah, I guess it just depends on your bio load of the tank, me I have about 20 corals and various crabs and stuff.

[rlcline76]

Originally Posted by e_baer

yeah, I guess it just depends on your bio load of the tank, me I have about 20 corals and various crabs and stuff.

Then I can see why you feel the need to enlist reinforcements!!!

[e_baer]

I have a 55 gal reef tank, but I want to build my own sump. Would a 10 gal sump be large enough? If so, What sort of things would I need? I know this isnt the right thread, but looks like knowlegabel people are looking at this one.

[rlcline76]

I know little about sumps. You may still want to pose this question in the equipment forum.

[e_baer]

alright, thanks anyway

[jtdivr33]

i dose iodine in my tank once a week, and my xenia loves it it grows like wild fire, so i would definitely recommend it

[e_baer]

I have not ever had success with pumping xenias. My friend hasnt either. Is 265 wats in a 55 gal enough? and a med-strong water current?

[jtdivr33]

i have 160 watts on my 50 gallon tank, so 265 should be more than enough, the only other thing that i do differently is i keep my temp higher than most, about 84. but my xenia is almost out of control ( I'm not complaining though) I've started to frag it and growing it in other parts of my tank
hope that helps

[e_baer]

Hmmmmm.... I dunno what the deal is then, Ive only tried it one time, but im scared to try again. Maybe the speciman I received was not a hardy one. Anyone live near Princeton, NJ and willing to give some up for a trade or something? I have some rusty gorgonian I can snip off for you! The piece I can cut is about 6-9" high and has about 3 or 4 branchs. I can cut a little more or a little less if you like. Or I will pay, I dont wanna pay very much though (I'm cheap) Unless it is necessary.

[jimw369]

I hear a lot of us are dosing iodine but what levels are we supposed to maintain to keep stuff happy. I have a bottle of Kents iodine but am alittle afraid to use it cause I just havent read up on it. Not to knock anyone cause you all got nice tanks but a capful or 2 of iodine just kinda sounds like a shot in the dark unless you know what you need. I got it and want to use it if its necessary.

[e_baer]

I think if it like this.....If you dont add it, and things are looking bad, use it. If you add some, and things are looking good and better than ever, keep using it. If you add some, and things just stay the same, its probably not hurting it. Thats what I do. Or you can go out and get a test kit.....

[rlcline76]

I would test.

[e_baer]

yeah, it would be the most logical way.

[rlcline76]

Yeah, a $14 test might be a little more beneficial than chancing your hefty investment of livestock.