LPS Coral Infections Got You Down? Try Dipping With Lugol's Solution From Brightwell Aquatics

Brightwell Aquatics Lugol's Solution is a 2% iodine solution commonly used for making a disinfecting coral dip. Brightwell retained the original recipe with a concentrated mix of iodine and iodide so you can mix up an effective coral dip to help rid your corals of harmful infections, including the dreaded "Brown Jelly" disease.

An iodine dip made with Lugol's Solution is most commonly applied to LPS corals and zoanthids. It works by disinfecting damaged coral tissue, like an antiseptic, helping to slow or eliminate the spread of infection. Establishing a solid routine for dipping all of your new corals is absolutely the best practice and observation of your existing corals is just as important. If you notice corals start to show signs of infection an iodine dip should be mixed up in short order to not only help recover the afflicted coral but also help prevent the spread within your tank.

Signs of Infection In A Coral:

• Closed or shriveled polyps
• Damaged tissue - exposed skeleton
• Brown Jelly - a brown slime that kills the coral

In addition to knowing when to dip, you need to know WHAT to dip. Not all coral dips are the same and while a Lugol's Solution based iodine dip is a great practice, it doesn't take care of everything and is not suitable for all corals. Zoanthids and LPS corals are the most common patients for an iodine dip as they are particularly susceptible to harmful bacteria. If you're not sure what you're dealing with, just do some research and look to your mentors for advice. Iodine dips have been around for quite some time and are a very well documented practice in the reef keeping hobby.

While it should go without saying, the technique is important so always follow the manufacturer instructions precisely, especially for mixing the dip solution and soaking times. Using a soft bristle brush along with a turkey baster as your dipping will physically dislodge infected tissue and/or any other pests. If you're dealing with a case of the dreaded "Brown Jelly" be sure to cut OFF the infected part of your coral leaving only healthy tissue behind. Proceed to dip, clean, and rinse the remainder of the coral before placement back into your display.