Iodine Dosing and Polyp Extension

I am far from an expert on this subject, but polyp extension has to do with a great deal of other things aside from just Iodine. I wouldn't consider Iodine on the top of the list. I do believe it is a trace element, as it is found in very low quantities when compared to other water parameters. For the most part, I think most people keep there Iodine levels in check simply through the water changes they do. If you are just starting SPS, Iodine is not something I would worry about. Just my two cents. I am sure the pros will chime in here soon!

 

I do dose Iodine in my system, but the reason I started was because of the large number of Soft coral that I had. I also dose a little less then what is recommended for my system and I don't dose all at once. I use Lugols and should be dosing 6 drops per week in my 125 gallon system but I do about 4-5 drops per week by dosing no more then a drop in a day. Now I have been moving away from softies and more towards SPS corals and have great polyp extension with all of them, but I couldn't say for sure if the Iodine is a factor or not. Lighting and Flow will also have an impact on polyp extension on SPS corals. If you are going to try it I would go with Lugols since you can also use it to make a coral dip which is why I got it in the first place and after 3 months still using the same little bottle.