Lugol's solution has been utilized in the maintenance of recirculating marine ecosystems for several decades.  Within the context of reef aquaria, Lugol's is applied on a general basis as a source of iodine species, considered critical in systems housing zooxanthellate marine invertebrates and crustaceans.  Further, Lugol's is utilized in coral propagation practices, in which it's incorporated into a bath for specimens which have undergone propagation or suffered physical damage.

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Dosing

Daily dosing of Lugol's is recommended; this approach enables the concentration of iodine species in the system to remain more consistent than when dosing on a less frequent basis.  Dosing through an automated apparatus is particularly recommended, with dosing occurring within the time frame that the zooxanthellate marine invertebrates within the system are illuminated.  Dilute Lugol's into a larger volume of purified water for the purpose of automated dosing if desired.  Ensure that the dosing vessel is clean, and that the solution remains free from contaminants and is stored out of intense illumination; a dilute solution prepared and maintained in this fashion will remain viable for several months.

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Dosing volume is a factor of system design and cohort stocking density and makeup.  Due to the uniqueness of each individual system, there is no single dosing recommendation that will work for all systems.  Please use the following guidelines in order to determine a sensible beginning dosage:

• Up to ~10% growing area coverage with zooxanthellate marine invertebrates: 1 drop per 100 gallons net system volume (NSV) daily

• ~10% - 25% growing area coverage with zooxanthellate marine invertebrates: 1 drop per 80 gallons NSV daily

• ~25% - 50% growing area coverage with zooxanthellate marine invertebrates: 1 drop per 50 gallons NSV daily

• >50% growing area coverage with zooxanthellate marine invertebrates: 1 drop per 30 gallons NSV daily

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Be aware that iodine rapidly depletes in reef aquaria, particularly in mature systems stocked with established coral colonies and zooxanthellate clams, and in which dissolved and particulate organic material is in relatively great abundance; therefore, an elevated iodine value recorded early in the day may be entirely depleted by the day's end.  Dosing via automated means helps mitigate this rise and fall.

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Much has been opined on the internet regarding the supposed dangers of Lugol's application in reef aquaria; it is unclear where these opinions emanate from, however the reality is that Lugol's is entirely safe when applied as directed, as is evidenced by the millions of corals that have been successfully raised in commercial coral aquaculture systems and reef aquaria regularly dosed with Lugol's over the past several decades.  Captiv8 Aquaculture conducted a six month project in which three mature recirculating reef ecosystems within our lab were maintained at elevated iodine concentrations by applying Lugol's at 10x the recommended dosage, without a single mortality to system inhabitants; to the contrary, we observed nightly larval release of ornamental crustaceans (Lysmata spp.), which subsided within one week of resuming normal Lugol's dosing.  This information is not intended to encourage overdosing of Lugol's; to the contrary, we strongly encourage users to abide by the guidelines printed above, adjusting dosage according to the total iodine value reported by routine accurate analysis, and appearance of system inhabitants.  The information is provided namely to illustrate that even severe overdose of Lugol's in reef systems over a prolonged period may be tolerated by system inhabitants.

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As with all supplements, perform regular analysis for critical ions, using a reliable test method, in order to determine the current concentration of the ion in question, and dose accordingly to maintain that ion within a narrow range of the standardized value.  Overdosing of any substance, whether intentional or due to misuse (including failure to follow dosing guidelines set forth by the manufacturer), may result in mortality of system inhabitants.  Your and your system's safety is your responsibility.

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If a suspected overdose has occurred, then application of a compound meant to neutralize chloramine will bind available iodine in the system.

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Coral Propagation

In a clean vessel sized adequately to accommodate the coral specimen(s) being propagated, add 20 drops Lugol's per gallon of system water used, and stir adequately to disperse the Lugol's throughout the water.  Place the damaged coral(s) into the bath for 7 - 10 minutes, then remove coral(s) and place into recovery system.  This solution may be re-used, however with each successive use the strength of iodine will have decreased.  Discard solution when finished.