Difference between Iodine and Iodide

[!v@n]

I've been reading and trying to figure out what the difference between Iodide and Iodine is. Some people dose one or the other. Do they serve the same purpose? Is one better than the other?

[davocean]

I've read that if you dose these that iodide is safer.
I personally don't dose unless I test for that.
Usually WC's take care of iodide/dine needs.
Excessive iodine can make shrimps molt excessively, and die from the stress.

[RussM]

I was confused by this awhile back, and researched the subject. Iodine and iodide are not the same, although the two terms are frequently (and incorrectly) used interchangeably in this hobby. Iodide is iodine with an extra electron; this changes the chemical properties significantly. For example, iodine is a good antibacterial agent and topical anti-parasitic -- iodide is not. Iodide is what's added to table salt.

As far as what marine life uses which one:

Iodine: Sponges, gorgonians, tunicates, algea, some marine worms, and crustaceans.

Iodide: xenia and some other soft corals.

BTW... Lugol's solution is a mixture of iodine and potassium iodide.

Here is a good article on the subject.

[!v@n]

dammit should of bought lugol's

[RussM]

BTW... based on everything I've read, I chose not to dose either one. Dip, yes, dose, no.

[!v@n]

thanks for the input russ