Questions

[newsalty0711]

Do I need to have my tank a open top or closed?? I was told I need to add iodide for my peppermint shrimp?? If so how much?? I have 3 peppermint shrimp 12 hermit crabs in a 30 gallon tank..
Thanks for your help
Donna

 

[xeniaman]

If you don't have fish that are known to jump out of aquariums, you could have an open top. If you go with an open top your lights should have a cover to eliminate salt creep and prevent condensation. As far as Iodine goes, you can suppliment sparingly to the tank as recommended on the label of the product, or just do water changes frequently and your inverts will get all the Iodine they need. I maintain a 240 reef and was adding trace elements through supplimentation and wasn't very happy with the overall health of the tank, so I just started doing more frequent water changes and everything is flourishing. Hope this helps

 

[bang guy]

Peppermint Shrimp do NOT need Iodide. There is nothing wrong with attempting to maintain Sea Water levels of Iodide but to do that you need to test for Iodide so you know how much to add.
Excess Iodide is very toxic to Peppermint Shrimp so make sure you don't overdose. 0.01 up to 0.02 parts per million is a good safe target value.

 

[newsalty0711]

Thank you for your help.. I will test the iodide before i add any... I am getting a new light sometime next week and now I will go for a open top.. my shrimp are doing good so far..one hides from you..Also we seen a black bug running across the tank when we turned on the light this morning.. fast lil thing.. Was wondering if you could help.. it hid in the rocks so I can not get a pic yet but I will try..
Thanks,
Donna

 

[grim_reefer]

the thing about iodine test kits are the in-accuracy of them.. you are almost just as good off not testing for it and saving the $$ from not buying the kit..
good advice above though.. always test for anything that you are going to add, and be sure to use a GOOD test kit, such as Salifert.. but like i said, there still isnt an accurate test kit for iodine..