Do you add aquarium salt to your freshwater tank?

[Galantspeedz]

I agree that for injuries using salt has some purpose. People seem to have good results using it for that. And for ich, obviously, that's a strong medical reason. But assuming no medical reason, why use salt? I just don't see the reason.

As for fish being more active, everyone has a tendency to see what they want. Not like a delusion and not intentional, but we all tend to shape memories and experiences to fit what we want them to be. That's just how we all seem to be built. That's why placebo is a real thing.

It might be true that salt makes fish more active (or just the opposite), or it might be that people want to think that. Who knows unless some controlled studies are done?

And who knows what the long term effect of constant low-levels of salt are to freshwater fish?

i dont' disagree, in fact i read that if the salt level is low it may actually make the bacteria tolerant to salt and a salt treatment will be less effective...

but i have to say, since i start using salt, i have no more issues with wounds, whereas before i started using salt, the wounds would actually generate to some other diseases and i will have to start QT the fish...

but i am still half minded if to dose salt on a regular basis or should i do it on a necessary basis

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Back around 50 years ago I used some salt as that was the word going around. An experienced fish keeper did not use it so I stopped. I have not added salt in around the last 50 years except in the hospital tanks from time to time.

Also some species are known to be more sensitive to salt. You may want to look up the specs on your fish and check.

 

[duanes]

I only use salt if treating for disease or injury, and then I use either water softener salt, or rock salt.(NaCl).
If the tap water where you live is totally devoid of any mineral content and you are trying to keep hard water fish, salt might help keep osmotic pressure at a more normal leve, but before adding salt, checking with your water supplier would seem to me to be prudent before adding anything..

 

[reptilerescued]

Only as needed do I add salt.

Dosed those Jags light 1st water change heavy the 2nd water change.
Skipped yesterday and no salt today with the change.

Of course if you read the thread like me you'd be surprised they were even alive.

But no not every time I do tank Mant. I only salt when needed.
Rich

 

[RD.]

I only use salt if treating for disease or injury, and then I use either water softener salt, or rock salt.(NaCl).

+1

 

[Bandit87]

For fin rot/ich.. For fun, no.

 

[Galantspeedz]

then any idea why qianhu / ocean free advertise the salt as one of the most important water conditioner for aquarium fishes?

 

[RD.]

..... to make $$$ from the ignorant masses.