I don't understand iodine?

Hi,
I decided to buy a iodine test kit (seachem brand). If I did the test right it was 0. I don't really understand why to test for iodine can you guys explain it to me?

 

inverts. use it in building their skeletons also helps corals in brightness of color

 

If you go scroll down on this link to Iodine, you will get Randy's take on iodine dosing.
He has also stated in his forum threads that hobby test kits for iodine forms are not sufficiently accurate to determine your tank levels.
A little too much can lead to losses in your tank.
REEF AQUARIUM WATER PARAMETERS

 

More info from RHF on iodine, great source. I wouldn't worry about it, personally.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php#17

 

IMO iodine isn't something we really need to worry about and never dose. Overdosing will cause all kinds of issues the least of which premature molt in your inverts.
If you are on a regular w/c schedule and stick to it your tank is getting all the iodine it needs.

 

xenia loves its iodide. Pulsing xenia will stop pulsing if it goes too low. A few different softies are big on it to, Carrib zoas for example.

+1 to regular water changes keeping it line though

 

I've never added any form of iodine in my 17 plus years of reefing, and my xenia has had no need of any more than what the I.O. supplies my tanks.
I've made a heck of a lot of money selling xenia and personally see no need to dose for it.
IMO, pulsing or not pulsing is more likely due to something else as I know tanks that add and have problems, and tanks like mine that pulse without any additions.

 

I have never added any iodine to my tanks regularily, but I was wondering if anyone has any information on its importance.

I know in freshwater its importance to inverts has been debated, with many people claiming it has killed there inverts by forcing premature molts.