Salt question

[staz]

I have read some remedies that mention adding salt to the tank. I have added salt with every water change I complete. Is this over kill? I have had a healthy tank (knock on wood) however if I should use salt as a remedy, it is not going to make a difference in my tank.

Should I be using salt at a common water additive?

 

[Oddball]

I always maintain a slight salt level in my rift lake tanks. However, I use calcium chloride which is the type of salt these african species evolved in. More important is the maintenance of a higher pH to promote the best coloration, immunity efficiency, and egg viability (IMO).
Sea salt or 'table salt' is sodium chloride. While it won't harm african cichlids, when used in moderation, it's not the type of salt they've evolved in.

 

[mike dunagan]

oddball nailed it

 

[staz]

Looking all over this carton of Aquarium Salt, it says nothing on the type of salt it contains. I will learn to pay more attention to detail some day. I am using http://www.aquariumpharm.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=49

Thanks again for the knowledge!

 

[Oddball]

Evaporated sea salt is sodium chloride. Keep your eyes out for products specifically labeled as 'Rift Lake Salt'. Rift Lake refers to the 3 great lakes of Africa (Victoria, Malawi, and Tanganyika).

 

[gilberbt]

Yeah I just add the aquarium salt when my fish are stressed or sick, not on normal water changes.

 

[kdrun76]

Adding salt to a perfectly healthy aquarium is like your taking an aspirin every day. It doesn't really hurt or help...just costs $$ and is unnecessary.

 

[BEANC0UNTER]

I only add when having issues.