I agree % 100 with you guys on the iodine. I would never even consider dosing iodine without a very reliable test kit. Even then you won't get an exact reading on Iodate. If you iodine concentration exceeds 0.06 NSW, ( Natural Seawater) you are placing your system in grave danger of an iodine overdose. The results would be exceeding this level.
Years ago, I use to max out a tank with just good lighting and current. I mean long ago, I didn't even feed. Today, as stated above, good lighting ( good PAR levels) , very good current, preferably variable, and near stable levels as stated above and you're good to go. Feeding is just an added benefit.
If just starting out a tank, one can never expect to get excellent growth from the jump. An aged system, and I speak from my own experience and a few friends of mine, will yield much better growth.
BTW, I periodically add iodine via Reef Plus, but be sure to know your iodine update daily if you are going to ever use Lugols directly.
Mucho Reef