Do I NEED iodine and calcium supplements?
- Thread starter kaiser
- Start date
nm reef
Active Member
In situations where there are few calcium demanding corals a decent salt mix and regular small percentage water changes are all thats needed. Supplimenting iodine can be dangerous...normal levels are relatively low and excessive levels can cause problems. Do you test for either now? Do you have current results? Do you know whats levels you would like to maintain? What products are you intending to use?
kaiser
Member
I've read that iodine is needed for coral banded shrimps to molt, and calcium is needed for snails to grow their shells. I would prefer not to spend money on supplements and test kits that cost more than the critters themselves.
In your experience, do you need such products for your animals?
In your experience, do you need such products for your animals?
bot587
Member
iodine is useful, but always dose less than recommended. Also, iodine should only be used BEFORE a molting. If used after when the shell is soft the shrimp will suffer from iodine poisoning. Calcium can be replaced with a good salt mix, but i always prefer to use something (personally i suggest reef complete as i use it)
T
tizzo
Guest
Isn't iodine in the salt mix already?? I have never dosed iodine, although I have heard that you should. I have never dosed it and I have 3 shrimp, all molt on a pretty regular basis and they appear healthy. I don't think I could ever bring myself to add a chemical just because someone told me to. At least not without a need of my own first.
bang guy
Moderator
Originally posted by Kaiser
I've read that iodine is needed for coral banded shrimps to molt, and calcium is needed for snails to grow their shells, they also require Carbonate.
Snails do require Calcium to grow shell. Not a lot though.
The Iodine requirement for Shrimp molting is a myth and is very wrong.
