Protein Skimmers Wiping out IODINE.. What to do!!!!

[moy]

PROTEIN SKIMMERS GET RID OF IODINE!!!
What the heck should I do?? What should we all do (coral owners)??
From what i understand a Protein skimmer is going to get rid of IODINE (which we need for the survival of corals)!!!
I asume eveyone here that has a reef tank has a Porteim Skimme regardless!
So how do you deal with the Iodine being depleted by the protein skimmer??
I use the REEF ENHANCER by Seachem that has IODINE, i states to add 2 cap fulls Twice a wk; but isnt is being depleted right away by my protein skimmer!???
What do you guys recommend to everyone with this problem??? HELP US ALL!!!

 

[tjswanson]

What you are doing is just fine. Just use the Iodine like suggested on the bottle.. The skimmer doesn't take it out instantly. But it will deplete. Some will same not to run a skimmer in a reef. Personally, when I kept the reef I had a skimmer and just added supplements when suggested. TJ

 

[amphiprion]

My reef tank has been up for over two years. I have never dosed iodine so I have no problem. It is a subject of debate whether you need to dose or not. There is more than enough trace elements in your synthetic salt for your corals if you do regular water changes. The only thing I add to my reef tank is C-Balance - a two part alk/calcium additive. Everything is doing just great.

 

[moy]

So let me get this straight, you dont need IODINE??? And i dont need to worry about the protein skimmer getting rid of IODINE???!!
I've just started adding Iodine and other trace elements for reef aquariums (since im just keeping into reef stuff), and i noticed the difference in color that the portein skimmer extacts from water. Before it used to be more of a greenish -brownish color, but now that i add Iodine and other trace elements the stuff pulled into the Protein skimmer has a orange color!!
DO i or do i not Need IODINE??? Should i or should i not worry about the Protein Skimmer getting rid of IODINE & or Trace Elements???

 

[broomer5]

Hey Moy - relax
Asking if you need to add iodine to a group of saltwater/reef hobbyists is like asking if you should get a certain type of lighting over another type of lighting.
Highly debatable subject as mentioned above.
You will get many contradicting opinions on the need to supplement iodine.
Aside from a few articles I've read ( also contradicting viewpoints ) there really does seem to be very little good information available.
Those that dose it - swear by it !
Those that don't dose it - swear there in no need to add any other additional forms - that water changes and quality foods supply all the iodine neccessary for corals.
Our protein skimmers are efficient - but they are in no way capable of completely stripping all nutrients and elements out of our tanks.
To answer your question -
If you have a very large population of soft corals, mushrooms, etc. You may want to consider adding some form of iodine and then test your levels.
If you do not have a lot of soft corals and mushrooms - then I see no reason to add supplements.
How many and what type of soft corals do you have ?
Brian

 

[corky]

As broomer said, it depends on what types of corals you have.

 

[moy]

Thats for the suggestions! Well, like i mentioned i just got into corals. This is what I have so far (if i remembered the names correctly):
1. Leather Stool
2. Hammer Coral
3. Pulsating Xenia
4. Fine Grape (some other LPS referred to it as Forg Spore)
5. Finger Fan
6. a finger sponge and a regular sponge
7. Couple Rock Anenames
8. Button Polps on most of the rocks
So does it look like i need Iodine??