Magnesium Hydroxide, Milk of Magnesia, Epsom Salt ect.

[BassetsForBrown]

I know some add it in combination with other salts for African tanks, and that it is useful in treating certain illness in fish due to its laxative effects. (also used by humans for that effect)

My understanding of Magnesium Hydroxide, in the context of biology (which is also my ONLY knowledge base of the substance) is that due to it's poor absorption by the "gut" of most animals it draws water and electrolytes into said "gut". The result is either an expedited bowl movement, or a more hydrated bowl movement depending on the quantity ingested.

If I were to add it to my SA/CA aquarium moderation why wouldn't this be beneficial to my fish? Not to the point were they cant keep food in their systems, just enough to help facilitate the whole in-out process. Consider, they are not subject to dehydrate the way a human is.

Thanks to anyone with a thoughtful response!

 

[ryansmith83]

I'm not sure why you'd need to unless your fish were prone to bloating? It just seems like an unnecessary step for most fish. Usually the laxative effect of epsom salt works in a matter of hours, so you'd treat the fish when it showed signs of a blockage to see if the epsom could help pass it along.

Having said that, I add a tablespoon of Epsom and a capful of Seachem Reef Complete (liquid calcium) every night after water changes to my 50 gallon fry tanks because their fins/bones weren't developing properly in my softer water. The addition of magnesium and calcium has stopped the issues I was having with bent/chopped fins and short spines and gill plates.