salt?
- Thread starter bala_aquarium
- Start date
I've used salt only when treating for ich, and I can't truly say if it helped or not, but personally I think there was a bit of a difference. It is supposed to help fight some disease, and to assist with breathing when they are stressed, etc. I really wish I knew if it was all propoganda or not, does anyone TRULY know the benefits if any of salt? the man at my lfs says he keeps it in his tank all the time, but I just couldn't do that, after my ich treatments i do like a 60% water change and than a 50% a few days after just to help remove it all from my system.
I've seen those cups with TONS of salt in them at places like wal-mart... the fish in there didn't look so good, so they may have been treating something. I hope they don't keep that much salt in there for very long.
I always add a pinch of salt to the new treated water that I put into my tanks. I really think it wards off some common diseases... all the fish seem happy, brightly colored, and healthy!
I always add a pinch of salt to the new treated water that I put into my tanks. I really think it wards off some common diseases... all the fish seem happy, brightly colored, and healthy!
Salts (particular aquarium salts) are a good way of preventing and curing fish disease. They may just be telling you half of the story over the phone. The reason there is so much is normally because often the fish are in there for such a short time that they need a higher level. A bit like a dip.
Id be careful of getting those fish... its likley they are trying to rid them of disease. You dont want to introduce that disease into your tank.
Id be careful of getting those fish... its likley they are trying to rid them of disease. You dont want to introduce that disease into your tank.
I have kept salt in my freshwater tanks all along.
I read a book back about ten years ago that suggested the salt because it it normally found in trace amounts in all natural water sources. It made sense to me then and I am doing with my new tanks too.
My discus breeder has said that he uses twice what is recommended. No idea why but his fish look AWESOME.
I also read that the way salt acts on freshwater fish is different than saltwater fish. I do not remember entirely but it is something about the way the fishes metabolism is opposite of each other. I will have to dig out my old marine beginners manual!
I read a book back about ten years ago that suggested the salt because it it normally found in trace amounts in all natural water sources. It made sense to me then and I am doing with my new tanks too.
My discus breeder has said that he uses twice what is recommended. No idea why but his fish look AWESOME.
I also read that the way salt acts on freshwater fish is different than saltwater fish. I do not remember entirely but it is something about the way the fishes metabolism is opposite of each other. I will have to dig out my old marine beginners manual!
According to Doc Wellfish's Aquarium Salt you should use one rounded tablespoon per five gallons of aquarium water.
I have also heard of people using non-iodized Morton's salt and rock salt.
Here is a link to the aquarium salt:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Product...ass//T1/F50BX+1044+0074/EDP/930/Itemdy00.aspx
I have also heard of people using non-iodized Morton's salt and rock salt.
Here is a link to the aquarium salt:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Product...ass//T1/F50BX+1044+0074/EDP/930/Itemdy00.aspx
I'm a "no salt" person. I never add it regularly, and never will. IMO, there is no reason to use it in a freshwater tank, except for disease treatment. It puts added strain on fishes' kidneys, due to the difference in osmotic pressure.
The reason it works on ich is because it's at a high enough concentration to kill the ich, but not high enough to kill the fish (which have a more advanced system to deal with changes in osmotic pressure).
The reason it works on ich is because it's at a high enough concentration to kill the ich, but not high enough to kill the fish (which have a more advanced system to deal with changes in osmotic pressure).
I am using it on my discus tank and it is not at a very high level. If I were to use my hydrometer from my saltwater it would not even register on it.
I have always used it and there have never been any ill effects. I have not had sick fish since I can remember. I am not sure if it is because of the salt or not. No loss of life due to disease on my part in nearly 20 years.
I guess I am just becoming a rebel in my mid-life. I also have started doing straight-tap water changes! As a matter of fact I have the hose in the discus tank right now.
I have always used it and there have never been any ill effects. I have not had sick fish since I can remember. I am not sure if it is because of the salt or not. No loss of life due to disease on my part in nearly 20 years.
I guess I am just becoming a rebel in my mid-life. I also have started doing straight-tap water changes!
As a matter of fact I have the hose in the discus tank right now.