Iodine questions revisited

sterling

sterling

Member
I've gone back and read many posts regarding the pros anc cons of adding iodine to reef tanks.
I'm still confused. Many of our experts on this board say they don't add any of it. That it is a trace element that is infused with water changes.
I had my water tested at LFS today, iodine level was 0.01. Very low. I have been adding iodine to my tank every one to two weeks, but being cautious, I always add less than what the manufacturer recommends.
So I bought a test kit and came home and tested my water before adding any iodine, and got the same reading as LFS. So I went ahead and added iodine.
The point I'm trying to get to and the question is, if my levels are low, shouldn't I add iodine. Or should I just have low levels?
My xenia have "disappeared" and I read that they require iodine.
And also, I read that protein skimmers take the iodine out?? Is this true? My protein skimmer runs 24/7.
Thanks
 
j21kickster

j21kickster

Active Member
12 gallons isnt enought to bring iodine levels back up= is your tank pretty stocked (corals)? if so iodine is depleted faster and needs to be added more frequently
 
sterling

sterling

Member
Yeah, I'd say it's stocked pretty good, i.e. big leather, big frogspawn, colt, capnella, two brains, wellsy., mushrooms, montipora cap. (2), 2 med. acros, 1 small acro, feather dusters, polyps, pipe organ.
So, do you know, does protein skimmers take it out? And should I listen to my gut and test for iodine and add as needed?
 
j21kickster

j21kickster

Active Member
i do not know if iodine is removed by the skimmer after it is in the tank- i want to say it can be but im not 100% sure- i do know that it can be removed quickly by the skimmer if it is pulled into it right after you put it in which is why i turn the skimmer off for an hour after i add it- but i would test and raise it to normal levels- but make sure to test you dont want to add too much
 
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