Shrimp & Iodine

[Melody]

There seems to be some controversy regarding the use of iodine with Shrimp. Some say you should add it to their environment, others say they'll get enough in their diet if you feed them the right foods. Shrimp pellets are often recommended as a source of iodine, for example. It was initially recommended for snails too, but later it was concluded that a varied diet would cover all they need.

My recent studies of seaweed taught me that seaweed/algae is also a fantastic source of iodine. Since I have started feeding it and using it in homemade foods, I am hoping that I no longer have to be concerned about it.

I have added Iodine to my Shrimp tank on occasion but not with any regularity. I often suspect that some of these 'magic shrimp powders' have iodine in them as well. I'd never buy a product which won't list its ingredients just for that reason - what if it does have iodine and we're adding more?

Regardless, I would like to hear your thoughts, experiences and knowledge on the Iodine topic, if I could please. :smile:

[Soggybottom]

I don't feed my shrimp, they scavenge the odd bit of flake and eat algae the rest of the day. So I do dose trace amounts of iodine. Probably works out to 1/2 a tsp weekly with the water change in a 40g. I have read conflicting reports as to whether FW shrimp even need it, but I'd rather err on the side of caution. Tough to know if it's helping, but there's definitely no shortage of wee'uns...

[Melody]

I think algae is a natural source of iodine isn't it? Maybe certain species more than others. Iodine kills germs too so this is good. I don't know its impact on beneficial bacteria but it could kill that off too. It also can.... <digging in the back scary recesses of grey matter> cause blood clots? There's a caution there anyway, so I'd never use too much.

Now that's gonna bug me... :twitcy:I think its blood clots but I'm not sure.

[Witchlight]

Do they add iodine to aquarium salt like they do with iodized table salt?

[Melody]

No, that's what you're trying to avoid with Aquarium Salt. Iodized has too much, although its worth exploring I should think. If you already use Aquarium Salt and need to add iodine, a dash of table salt replacing a portion of the Aquarium Salt might do the trick. I would want more control over it though. I'm also not sure if there's any other reason to not use table salt. I don't think so, but that's not quite good enough when you're about to pour it into a fish tank....lol. I'd definitly look into it further before trying it.

[Witchlight]

Ya I wasnt gonna do it. Just curious since iodine was on the list as to what the diff was, and if the aquarium salt would provide it in the right amount. Now I know it wont. :smile:

[Melody]

I try to be careful not to state things that can be misread as a green light...lol....not just for you, but for anyone reading it now or later. Too many times people state a belief, opinion or theory as fact in forums. :no: