water chemistry

[TWINPEAKS]

I just got my mag.and iodine test kits heres the results
IODINE/IODIDE=0
MAG.=1245
ALK.=7.7
PH=8.2
I think the mag and ph are ok but would like to see the alk up to 8.5 and I need to get the iodine up.The alk I got covered but what is the easiest way to raise the iodine.I have loguls iodine but how do you know what amount to add safetly?The tank is a 180 gallons.Oh the cal. is 350ppm.

thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Letmegrow]

If you do a water change, you will get all your iodine back.

 

[rottielover]

I don't have the bottle in front of me but I think they have dosing instructions on the label... I don't remember off hand, but I want to say it's something on the order of 1 drop per 10 or 20 gallons or something similar....

The iodine test kit I have was so hard to use that I quit testing for it on a regular basis. I'll test before I dose but that's it. I usually only worry about iodine about once a month or less...

Check out this link:
http://www.reefs.org/library/article/e_edelman2.html

 

[skhle]

my loguls says 1 drop per 25 gal. I used to do it once a week, but seen I have CA reactor I do one a month.

 

[DrBDC]

I personally would bump the mag to about 1350. Not that you're off that far but as it is used it will keep it at or above NSW levels. That way in a month when you check again you won't be in the 1100's or a little lower. I rely on my w/c's for the iodide/iodine too since there's never been any benefit proven to dosing it.

 

[geoxman]

I get much better zoanthid polyp extension and the ricordias seem to open up further when my iodide/iodine levels are at 0.07 to 0.09 ppm or higher. I have had it drop to 0.02 for a month or two and the softies did not look so good so I keep mine at that level-which requires 2 capfulls about every other day. I dont know all the pros and cons but my corals are happier when it is in the water at that level. Now that you have a test kit see where you tank does best at what level, then again I am all softies. Drbdc is correct bump up the mag-JMHO and good luck

 

[Letmegrow]

They extend I belive because they are trying to shed the "poison" from their skin.

 

[geoxman]

they are happy and reproduce very well! I keep it constant at that level- Maybe it is like feeding cattle hormones, better taste and the cows get fatter and bigger- pumping up the iodide levels are not having a negative effect but are having a positive effect on them. I have gone lower levels they just dont seem to be as happy! jmho. I am not a chemist I just tell people I am-anyhoo best of luck with your ideal level Twinpeaks.
Edit:
I have had it at this level for over a year now and have played with different levels for a month or so. This is not something I just started doing. Anyway dose and test and see where your system is happiest-again good luck!

 

[DrBDC]

NSW is .06 so it can't hurt to be up .07-.09 Even those who think you shouldn't dose it can't really argue with keeping it there. That's closer to NSW than 0! If I had a test I would probably aim for that range too. But I don't right now and I don't add what I don't test which includes all those over the counter mixed chemicals. If I want to add a set amount of something I want to know exactly. I'd probably do the same for strontium if I ever get a test for it.

 

[TWINPEAKS]

Thanks for all the info.I'm hesitant on doing water changes more than twice a year as I have had bad results from water changes before for no real reasons that I could find.

 

[spooda420]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6908637#post6908637 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TWINPEAKS
Thanks for all the info.I'm hesitant on doing water changes more than twice a year as I have had bad results from water changes before for no real reasons that I could find.

2x a YEAR? I do that in a month sometimes when I remember... WC are a good thing.

You must have a great skimmer and corals that do not require pristine water quality.

But hey, what ever works for you.