Volatility of minor and trace elements

Power_t · Jul 11, 2023

I have recently heard claims that one of the benefits of weekly vs monthly water changes lies in replenishing not only the elements that are consumed in the tank but also the ones that leave through volatilization, as some elements may be gone within a week through the air (Iodine was mentioned as an example). Is there any truth to this claim? I can't seem to find any information on this topic.

KrisReef · Jul 11, 2023

Trace elements get used by living things during growth and they can be depleated from tank water. People do ICP tests to figure out what they need to replentish because of this. I don't think the loss of trace elements by volitization into the air applies, as described. There is loss or exchange of CO2, O2 and other gases but these are not normally counted as "trace elements," as far as I know. I suspect that is why there isn't any information other than the source you mentioned?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 11, 2023

Power_t said:
I have recently heard claims that one of the benefits of weekly vs monthly water changes lies in replenishing not only the elements that are consumed in the tank but also the ones that leave through volatilization, as some elements may be gone within a week through the air (Iodine was mentioned as an example). Is there any truth to this claim? I can't seem to find any information on this topic.

There are a few misconceptions here.

Iodine, iron, manganese, silicate, and possibly a few others are rapidly consumed (not evaporated). Iodine converted into certain organoiodine compounds is one of the very few that can leave through the air, but that is likely a very minor process in a reef. IMO, no reefer needs to focus on loses to the air, except for nitrogen as N2.

IMO, it is a misconception of many in the reefing community that water changes are the only way trace elements get into the tank, ignoring the fact that all foods contain all trace elements.

Many tanks seem to get along fine without trace additives, but it’s a fine experiment to either measure them (by ICP) or proactively dose them and see if there is any benefit.

Power_t · Jul 11, 2023

I suspected that may be the case but I wanted to confirm it with some experts. Thank you both for the reply.

KrisReef · Jul 11, 2023

Power_t said:
I suspected that may be the case but I wanted to confirm it with some experts. Thank you both for the reply.

Thank you.
Just to clarify, you heard back from me and the other guy (RHF) who is really the expert when it comes to chemistry & reefs. I'm just an enthusiastic amature.