shrimp and iodine question

[Balloon Fish]

why do shrimp need iodine? is it really important to have some in the tank? and will it hurt other fish? plants?

 

[twoluvcats]

shrimp need iodine to aid in shedding thier exoskeleton as they grow. i think most ferts have some iodine in them...so if you have plants, it works out better for the shrimp, and you don't have to specially dose iodine.

 

[Balloon Fish]

ooo ok thx for the reply

 

[Grymatta]

do i have to buy special fish iodine..or can I just get the drugstore iodine drops?

 

[FroggyFox]

I think iodine is iodine...just be sure you're not getting a med with other things mixed into the iodine.

 

[Lotus]

There is a lot of debate about whether it's a good idea to add iodine to the water or not. Many argue that the shrimp can't absorb it through the skin, and that a good diet is the best way to make sure they get enough.

Those that do use iodine usually use the kind that's added to saltwater tanks, and use half dose every two weeks or so.

 

[discus4everGrl]

I don't know much about this, but I would think the iodine for human wounds would be kinda concentrated....