Iodine in saltwater tank?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Humans use iodine in the thyroid during hormone synthesis. We are pretty different from inverts though. I am unfamiliar with shrimp physiology.

They have no demonstrated need for iodine. Many reef organisms have a clear known need, though we do not keep most of them. There is not a single mention of iodine supplementation being useful in all of the literature on shrimp aquaculture, nor in any scientific publications.

Many people believe that some zooanthids and other corals benefit from supplemental iodine, but others note no such effect. I’m not sure why that is, but it is easy to try iodine dosing and see if there is any apparent benefit to any given tank.

 

[Bacon and Eggs]

They have no demonstrated need for iodine. Many reef organisms have a clear known need, though we do not keep most of them. There is not a single mention of iodine supplementation being useful in all of the literature on shrimp aquaculture, nor in any scientific publications.

Many people believe that some zooanthids and other corals benefit from supplemental iodine, but others note no such effect. I’m not sure why that is, but it is easy to try iodine dosing and see if there is any apparent benefit to any given tank.

Kool, I was looking into the needs of cleaner shrimp and that sent me down that internet worm hole. Glad I can hold off of the stat purchase of an iodine test kit!