Iodine

[sh4n]

I dont like dosing my tank with bottled substances, like Iodine, Strontium etc as I dont have test kits for these and dont totally understand there role in a reef tank (yes I know I need to do some homework). However I do use these, I dont do it often (maybe not often enough) but everytime I use Iodine in my tank i have a massive algae break out. Most of my rocks and my glass turn green and I get horrible purple algae on my crushed coral (cyanobacteria?). This has happened 3 times now and I've noticed it only happens after I use Iodine. I have a 50 gallon tank and only dose as the bottle says (if not less). Does anyone else have problems like this? Do I really need to use Iodine?

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SH4N http:///forum/thread/386204/iodine#post_3390650
I dont like dosing my tank with bottled substances, like Iodine, Strontium etc as I dont have test kits for these and dont totally understand there role in a reef tank (yes I know I need to do some homework). However I do use these, I dont do it often (maybe not often enough) but everytime I use Iodine in my tank i have a massive algae break out. Most of my rocks and my glass turn green and I get horrible purple algae on my crushed coral (cyanobacteria?). This has happened 3 times now and I've noticed it only happens after I use Iodine. I have a 50 gallon tank and only dose as the bottle says (if not less). Does anyone else have problems like this? Do I really need to use Iodine?
If you do regular water changes you don't need to dose iodine or any of the trace elements. Iodine can become poison when too much accumulates. Never ever dose anything without testing first. If you don't have a test, don't do it.
Every one of those bottles (iodine, Calcium..etc..etc) will tell you how much it's needed and to dose anywhere form everyday to once or twice a week. Your tests will guide you on what your tank needs, not the instructions on a bottle or even a book. Every tank is different and uses the elements different so there is no blanket way of dosing a tank.

 

[sh4n]

ok thanks for the information! i will buy those test kits to see where i'm at

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SH4N http:///forum/thread/386204/iodine#post_3390661
ok thanks for the information! i will buy those test kits to see where i'm at
You might5 want to also be mixing some new saltwater for a good size change. I have never dosed iodine and I have had a reef for 5 years. I have a bottle of it but never used it.

 

[sh4n]

Oh...... got to love petstores who tell you to dose it twice a week. thanks guys.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SH4N http:///forum/thread/386204/iodine#post_3390683
Oh...... got to love petstores who tell you to dose it twice a week. thanks guys.
Considering the money we spend on our hobby we should be able to hold such dumb advice givers responsible for killing our tanks. Its one thing to sell a piece of extra eqipment we don't need, but chemical dosing can be deadly. I bet if they could be held responsible they would shut up unless they really knew what they were talking about.
I tried to help a guy in a fishstore a few weeks back, I could tell by his body language that he thought I was leading him wrong and he would rather trust the store guys advice. In the end I saw him at the counter, he bought the stuff the guy was selling. Oh well.....

 

[mr. limpid]

Yep stores make money off the uneducated, I'm glad I have this site to remedy that problem. No what i do I tell them of this site and leave it at that. The only problems is that alot of fish will give there lives for them to learn, I know I sent my share the there grave.

 

[sh4n]

You both are sadly correct about that. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge into the forums its much appreciated