Brightwell Aquatics
Brightwell Aquatics Lugol's Solution
Brightwell Aquatics Lugol's Solution
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Brightwell Aquatics Lugol's Solution is a highly concentrated iodine and iodide supplement for advanced reef aquarists, serving a dual purpose as both a regular iodine supplement and a coral dip for new arrivals. Iodine is a minor but essential element in natural seawater, and its role in a reef tank is often underestimated. It is used by corals, clams, and other zooxanthellate invertebrates to detoxify excess oxygen produced by their zooxanthellae, which in high concentrations can irritate sensitive tissue. Corals that shrink or close under intense lighting are often responding to this oxygen buildup, and maintaining adequate iodine levels allows them to remain open and thrive. Iodine also depletes quickly through protein skimming, activated carbon, and biological uptake, making regular supplementation important in well-filtered systems.
This is a product for experienced hobbyists only. The concentration is extremely high, and overdosing can cause serious harm to livestock. Always test before you dose.
Why we love it
- Serves double duty as a tank supplement and a coral dip for new arrivals
- Supports corals and clams that rely on iodine to manage zooxanthellae oxygen production
- Rapidly depleted by skimming and carbon, making supplementation genuinely useful in active reef systems
- Only 30 mL available by law, so it is sized for precision use, not heavy-handed dosing
- Made in the USA
Dosage guide
Important: Brightwell Lugol's has been produced in more than one concentration. Always check the label on your bottle for the ppm per gallon figure and dose accordingly.
Tank supplementation (maximum daily dose):
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Target iodine level | 0.05 ppm |
| Acceptable range | 0.03 to 0.07 ppm |
| Maximum dose | 1 drop (1/20 mL) per 35 US gallons (130 L) daily |
Test iodine levels daily over one to two weeks to establish your tank's actual depletion rate before settling on a regular dose.
Coral dip:
Draw 1 gallon (3.785 L) of tank water into a clean container. Use the following formula to calculate how much Lugol's to add based on your bottle's concentration:
14.4 divided by the ppm-per-gallon listed on your label = mL to add per gallon of dip water.
For example, if your bottle raises 1 US gallon by 12 ppm: 14.4 / 12 = 1.2 mL per gallon of dip water.
How to use
Always test iodine levels before dosing. Add to a high-flow area of the sump. Dose slowly and allow full circulation before retesting. Do not exceed the maximum dose listed on your label, and do not dose based on another bottle's concentration. Weekly dosing is recommended over daily dosing where possible to reduce the risk of accumulation. Reduce or skip dosing if running heavy activated carbon or aggressive skimming, as this will affect how quickly iodine is depleted.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly sealed between uses. Not for human consumption. Keep out of reach of children. Contact poison control if ingested.
Available sizes
- 30 mL (the maximum size permitted under US regulations)
Collapsible content
LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.Â
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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