Adding Salt to RTC tank

[Jamal Haidar]

Is it safe to add salt to tank with RTC. I know that adding salt helps in enhancing gills function, but I found out from few sites that it can be harmful to types of catfish (http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/should-you-add-salt-to-your-freshwater-aquarium)

Here is a screenshot:


Is it true? Have anyone used salt with RTCs and what are the results?

 

[MoNsTeR FiS]

Your rtc would be healthier if you don't use salt than if you do but at some pet stores they use freshwater aquarium salt in all their tanks and their catfish (including rtc's do) fine. If you are using saltwater salt it is healthier for the red tail catfish to not use it but they can still tolerate some. (it does not make a huge difference for the fish weather u use freshwater salt or saltwater salt because they are a bout 90% the same thing.) They can tolerate some but over extended periods of time it can lead to death.

 

[Jamal Haidar]

Thanks for the advice. I use freshwater aquarium salt but I will stop adding it unless in case of stress or injuries.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

To use salt one has to have a reason wherein the benefit outweighs the risk. The benefit is short term - the betterment of the gill function and osmoregulation and suppression of some parasites. That is, when ill or stressed from recent transport, a fish may benefit from salt but after the fish recovers or the stress dissipates, the salt becomes a negative factor, a low-level stressor, so, IMHO, long term net effect is negative.

In our hobby, the best thing is to get the conditions as close to natural as reasonably possible. We can't give our pets a river or a lake but we can give them pristine, toxin-free, fresh water with the mineral composition that suits them well. And a large enough tank.

RTCs are ok with table salt at medicating doses (1-3 teaspoons per gallon) short term. I'd not keep them in such water as a norm.

I trust these guys on salt too: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/salt-and-its-uses.226328/

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Is it safe to add salt to tank with RTC. I know that adding salt helps in enhancing gills function, but I found out from few sites that it can be harmful to types of catfish (http://www.drtimsaquatics.com/should-you-add-salt-to-your-freshwater-aquarium) Is it true? Have anyone used salt with RTCs and what are the results?

Long time no see. How are the RTCs? Should be around 3'-3.5' now.