Iodine questions.

[saltywater180]

I was wondering about the iodine you put on cuts and stuff. Is this stuff different than the iodine we use in our reef tanks? If so is there a formula for dillution? Can it be used for dips? Thank you in advance for your reply.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is different than what I have used in the past in my aquarium, yes. There are many forms that iodine can take, including I- (iodide), IO3- (iodate), I2 (molecular iodine), and a variety of organic forms.

I would not use a disinfectant form, and if I were to dose iodine (I do not), it would be as iodide. The disinfectant forms are usually I2 or a modified version of it.

I discuss iodine dosing in thses articles:

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

[saltywater180]

Cool, thank you. I thought that they were different I was just wondering.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing. :)