Iodine: A Great Investment for a Saltwater Aquarium

Gimmicks, fads, so-called wonder drugs and a downright waste of time and money can be associated with and labeled to many of the products for sale to us, as conscientious marine aquarists. With the money that many of us have invested over time setting up, maintaining and stocking our tank(s), why would we want to throw out money on numerous supplements and other forms of trace elements that are readily available to us? The salt mixes that we currently employ for our water changes and initial tank set up, provide everything that we, or should I say our livestock, needs to offer the right amount of salts and buffering agents to keep our livestock healthy for the most part. One supplement that is an exception to the rule and would not do without is IODINE!

Iodine is quickly consumed and depleted in a captive environment either through respiration, skimmer and other filtration equipment as well as by using granulated activated carbon(GAC). Because of this inability to remain in an aquarium for any length of time, it makes perfect sense to dose iodine. Iodine that is available to aquarists is normally a form of potassium iodide. Iodine is evident in natural seawater at a level of 0.006ppm and consists of both organic and inorganic forms.

Their are many valuable reasons for dosing iodine in a saltwater aquarium. For those of you that maintain a reef aquarium housing corals, gorgonians anemones and Tridacna clams, iodine is ideal in that it prevents damage provided by intense light that ultimately leads to bleaching. Acting similar to our sunscreen used when venturing out in the sun, iodine will reduce the harmful effects brought on by the strong lights used in many reef aquariums. Some corals as well as Tridacna clams are equipped with irridophores and light blocking pigments or mycosporine-like amino acids(MAA's) that are broad band filters and absorb damaging UV rays. Many Acropora species of coral contain these compounds since they hail from shallow water regions that often times are out of water during low tides.

As for the fish life, a dosing of iodine will help to lower the chances of the fish developing such disorders as goiter as well as reducing the chances of your fish contacting ich and marine velvet. The iodine acts as an antiseptic, bacterioseptic as well as an oxidative. A freshwater dip or dip containing iodine will also help to ward off infection as well as possible parasite problems.

Invertebrates can benefit from the dosing of iodine as well. Iodine aids in the molting process of shrimp and crabs especially. Iodine and calcium are also large components in the exoskeleton of crabs and shrimp. It seems that the dosing of iodine speeds up the time in between molts as well as I have noticed
in my cleaner shrimp species.

Many soft corals will benefit from the use of iodine. There has been numerous debates over the fact that Xenia, Kenyan Tree, Colt, Mushrooms, Zoanthids and Anthelia will do better with the addition of a steady supply of iodine. Growth and health of these soft corals may become inhibited and effected with inadequate amounts of this trace element.

Anyone who doses or plans on dosing iodine should not pursue this unless they are willing to test their water diligently as an overdose of iodine can be toxic and beneficial bacteria for one will die as a result. Their are a number of quality testing kits on the market that will offer you a fairly accurate reading of your iodine levels. Salifert, Seachem and Red Sea are three popular companies that provide adequate test results. Iodide and iodate testing kits are better than your standard iodine test kits solely. When dosing iodine and noticing that iodine levels are low in your aquarium, care must be administered so that levels don't spike too quickly and aren't overdosed. It is best to be a little low than high with regards to iodine.

Iodine makes a great addition to any marine aquarium. The results that can be achieved, ultimately leading to a thriving, healthy and beautiful aquarium should afford this trace element a place in each and every aquarists maintenance regimen.