Iodine Supplementation

[thegreek]

I have a 20g reef. CPR bak pak skimmer. Mostly soft corals, Xenia, and a nice clam. I am fighting a algae problem (imagine that). I have heard confliciting comments concerning potential algae growth with supplementing a tank with iodine. I have rarely been using Lugols: 1 drop every 2 weeks. Should I consider deleting the use of it or begin the above dosing. Thank you for your time and input.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I do not believe that normal iodine dosing contributes to algae problems, but I also believe that it is unnecessary and not useful to dose it. I have not dosed any for years, and xenia, mushrooms, shrimp, and all the organisms that folks usually claim need iodine grow just fine.

So my suggestion is to stop dosing iodine, but to also look for other ways to reduce algae, notably reducing nutrients like phosphate.

These articles have more:

Iodine in Marine Aquaria: Part I
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/chem.htm

Iodine in Reef Tanks 2: Effects on Macroalgae Growth
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2003/chem.htm

Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm