Iodine test kits

[sharkie]

Hi Everyone,

My tank is turning into a softie tank (not on purpose) and I was thinking of dosing with iodine. However, before I dose, I figure I should test the iodines level in my tank.

Does anyone know where I can get one in town? I checked out a few LFS, but did not find them on the shelves.

Also, does anyone have any opinions on which iodine supplement is the best?

Thanks!

chiu

[JimD]

Tell me, why do you want to dose iodine?

[sharkie]

Well, I was reading that zoos, mushrooms, and xenia do much better with higher iodine levels.

Is that true?

chiu

[JimD]

"Is that true?", Ask ten different people and youll get ten different answers, Personally, I dont like adding poison to my tank and with adiquate water changes, you shouldnt have any problems at all. I quit using it long a go and my stuff grows like weeds. I suggest more research before making a dicision.

[MikeDeL]

I dont use any iodine. In a small tank I would be really scared using it. It would be really hard to dose with, and real easy to overdose (kill) with it. Just keep up with water changes and you should be fine.


Mike

[NaCl_H2O]

What Jim said - pouring poison in the tank just doesn't seem right! Long ago I also dosed Iodine due to the suggestion of a LFS. If adding suppliments, try a balanced supp like ESV B-Ionic, but "ease" into it so you don't overdue it & waste money! This hobby is expensive enough without spending tons on addatives.

The best additive is a regular schedule of water changes with a good salt mix - it has everything your softies need!

[sharkie]

I totally understand and agree with everyone's concerns and comments.

That's why, I wanted to get a test kit first. :) Does anyone know where I can get one?

chiu

[Richard]

I don't know where in Austin, but you want to get the Salifert Iodine test kit. It is the only useable kit I'm aware of. Seachem has one but I would not recommend it - to hard to use.

True that iodine is a poison if the levels are high enough but is is also required for life which is why it is in table salt. That said, I tried iodine for awhile and my tank exploded with hair algae and I did not notice any benefit to my corals. Personally I don't think it is necessary but I have a few customers who swear by it. As far as the type...

Kent's Concentrated Iodine - this is the safest
Kent's Tech I - more bang for your buck but easier to overdose
Lugol's Solution - very potent & easy to overdose.

[Richard]

Oh yeah, Kent puts lots of warnings on the label so be sure and read those.

[Sunhutch]

I have an new/unused Seachem test kit, if you want it. If your wondering why it hasnt been used, as Richard stated, its ridiculously complicated.

Ken

[sareef]

I had an iodine test kit (I think it's Seachem) that was difficult to calibrate. I messed with it a few times and never felt like it was reading correctly so I tossed it. Better to do regular water changes than to use additives.

WH

[GaryP]

As I recall, an iodine test kit will not give results for all iodine ionic species: iodine, iodide, & iodate. These are oxidizers and rapidly shift from the strongest (iodine) to weakest (iodate) ionic species.

I believe iodine changes to iodic acid when dissolved in water. I have heard different things about which species are bio-available and which aren't. Maybe some online research would be worthwhile here.

Here we go:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/chem.htm

Gary