Brightwell's branded lugols vs other forms

[littlebigreef]

Hey @Randy Holmes-Farley a question perhaps just for you. I've always used the Brightwell's branded lugol's solution. I understand its a combination of iodine and potassium iodide. I realize there's similar products for human consumption on the market. I'm wondering if there's a comparable product in both formulation and strength that I could use in place of the aquarium branded version? Lugols makes up the backbone of my fragging and treatment plans and so I use my fair share. On top of the 'aquarium tax' its consistently increased in price to the point its now ~$21 for a bottle.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don’t know the purity of what Brightwell sells, but standard 5% Lugols is a specific formulation, and most anything sold as Lugols should have the same composition:

Elemental Iodine (I₂): 5 grams
Potassium Iodide (KI): 10 grams
Water: ~85 mL (to bring the total final volume to 100 mL)

 

[JonasRoman]

Let me ask, or just comment. If I am not misinformed, I2 is not possible for animals to use, (and also toxic). Why do Brightwell include I2 at all???

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’m not a fan of Lugols for dosing for that and other reasons, but I think he is using it as a disinfectant on frags?

 

[Fish Fan]

Let me ask, or just comment. If I am not misinformed, I2 is not possible for animals to use, (and also toxic). Why do Brightwell include I2 at all???

I’m not a fan of Lugols for dosing for that and other reasons, but I think he is using it as a disinfectant on frags?

Yes, it is primarily used as a disinfectant to treat a variety of coral issues, such as brown jelly disease. This article has more information for anyone interested:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/how-to-dip-coral-with-brightwell-aquatics-lugols-iodine

I personally don't know anyone that doses Lugol's to their tank as a method of supplementing Iodine.

I hope that helps!