Boomer, could discuss where iodine comes from? newbie question.

[Damsel13]

My pink pom pom xenia seems to be doing well, it's full and tight but not expanding as it used to. I was wondering if lack of Iodine could be a cause. I use NSW from "alledgely scripps in San Diego" Has worked well so far but can't figure out what part Iodine might play in the big picture of my little box of ocean.

Can you offer some insight?
Thank you in advance,

 

[Boomer]

Raising "Iodine" to get Xenia to pulse more is an old trick. As to the why it works is another issue. I have no issue with keeping Iodine levels at normal seawater levels or even slightly higher, as long as one has a test kit.

I think the issue with Xenia is some other issue and Iodine just **seems** to be answer. Maybe it just irritates them The issue with Iodine being higher than NSW is that it triggers excessive molting in crustaceans, which is not a good idea.

Something more on the order with xenia is water motion. Pumping of xenia is closely tied to water movement. Xenia will pump less if there is good water motion and more so if there is less. This pumping to to rid themselves of mucus. The other high pumping issue, from low water circulation, is it increases their rate of CO2-O2 gas exchange, which is to low in low current water, so they pump.

 

[Damsel13]

So it is just naturally in the NSW? And that should be enough if I do weekly water changes of about 25%?

By the way my pom pom xenia became four stalks from one, go figure.
Thanks for the answer.
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[Boomer]

Well yes, natural in NSW but will also take place in the tank. It is a natural behavioral response be it NSW or ASW. WC are always a good thing