Just a curiosity question. Since I'm treating for ick right now I'm using quick cure which seems to be working... What I'm curious on is in a healthy tank..no diseases or infections....does anyone use salt regularly. I've read no need for it and others say they add it to a full tank and redose on a WC for the amount removed. Just curious on what everyone's thoughts are
Salt...any need for it regularly
- Thread starter Jeff5347
- Start date
There is no need for it in general, but a little bit never hurt anything, and cichlids seem to like it. Some fish like mollys do much better with it in the tank. I usually put a small amount (not full dosing) in all my tanks.
We usually add about 50-75% salt recommend on the carton when we do a wc. Just for the amount we took out/added. Our water is super hard though it usually max's out the test strips. Also if you have water softer on your household water that adds some salt in.
I agree with Hendre. No need for it unless you're treating for parasites or something. For some fish, such as soft water fish, salt can do more harm than good so better to just use sparingly when really needed.
I believe aquarium salt is an irritant that may produce undesirable effects under long term exposure.
Some cichlids do better without salt, some do better with it.
It depends on the natural waters where they are found, and evolved over millennia.
Etroplus suratensus often come from, and gravitate toward brackish water as adults.
Acolapia alcalica come from waters more saline than the ocean.
Some Mayaheros uropthalmus live in the near shore ocean areas of Isla Mujeras, some come from Yucatan inland fresh water Cenotes.
Most soft water species don't need any salt, and adding it may be the reason so many South American inland and Amazonian species end up with hole in the head.
What's my point? One size doesn't fit all, where cichlids are concerned.
It depends on the natural waters where they are found, and evolved over millennia.
Etroplus suratensus often come from, and gravitate toward brackish water as adults.
Acolapia alcalica come from waters more saline than the ocean.
Some Mayaheros uropthalmus live in the near shore ocean areas of Isla Mujeras, some come from Yucatan inland fresh water Cenotes.
Most soft water species don't need any salt, and adding it may be the reason so many South American inland and Amazonian species end up with hole in the head.
What's my point? One size doesn't fit all, where cichlids are concerned.
Thanks for all the responses. I don't plan on adding. My fish seem fine the way they are. I was more curious than anything if any of the fish ( hrp, convicts, Jack Dempsey's, firemouths ) gained anything from it. The last thing I want to do is alter something and introduce a problem
Ya I do addjust about 1 TBS for my 75 Gal as my cichlids love it and it acts as a anti chlorine or makes the water soft.it is a trick all the shop owners use and this helps the fishes grow to the Maxx within days and months
Here's a study from Oldfield that shows the effect of salt with certain species of cichlids. He does mention that JDs showed some benefit, whereas convicts showed no benefit.
http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/51532/Oldfield_Saltwater_Cichlids_2004.pdf