Table Salt OK For Marine Aquarium?

[ScatMan]

All bodies use different trace elements, ions, and minerals to regulate hormone development, osmotic processes, amino acid development and use, tissue development, scale development, pigment cell development, etc. Basically, every physiological process in the body requires necessary elements to function properly.

Fish have evolved to take in needed trace elements differently then air-breathing humans. Many elements are absorbed and properly routed through gill tissues and palates.

i have to believe that almost all, if not all, the necessary trace minerals can come from a fish's diet. the same way freshwater fish, or brackish fish get their trace elements while living in fresh water.

i don't believe that marine aquarium water needs to be so complicated because i have heard of people keeping fish in synthetic ocean water made of just a few (3 or 4) elements. i believe it might be possible to narrow down that already thin list.

 

[Oddball]

Looks like you have your mind set on a particular course of action. Go for it. I'll stick to the methods and experiences I've gained over the last 46+ years in this hobby.

 

[ScatMan]

if my mind was set, i wouldn't be asking questions.

have you kept marine fish in simple salt water?

 

[Oddball]

Before marine mixes, we had to use plain salt. The results were washed out colors, high mortality rates, and infrequent spawnings. Additionally, before marine mixes there were nearly zero hobbyists able to keep nudibranchs, corals, polyps, anemones, sea fans, crinoids, etc. alive for more than the time it took those organisms to starve to death. These organisms were only able to be viewed at public aquaria that piped a continual influx of sea water into their exhibits.

When I experienced large or frequent losses. I gave up on regular salt and pumped water off the jetties near my house into barrels in the back of my truck. The water was allowed to settle out (to reduce sand) and filtered before using it in my tanks.

 

[ScatMan]

it's been established that corals, anemones, etc. absorb essential trace elements directly from the water. they certainly do need complex ocean water.

it appears that (at least some) fish on the other hand, don't need the same degree of complexity. i've read about decreased mortality rates in holding tanks of bait minnows and shrimp using a brew of only a few commonly available and very cheap elements, that's what sparked my curiosity. thanks for your input.

 

[docturtle91b]

Can I just point out that the fresh water isn't simply H2O, its loaded with trace elements as well. And that brackish water is sea water mixing with fresh for the most part. Did the article you read examine what caused the decrease in mortality?

 

[ScatMan]

Can I just point out that the fresh water isn't simply H2O, its loaded with trace elements as well. And that brackish water is sea water mixing with fresh for the most part.

i was referring to an aquarium situation. my tap water (the water that my fish live in) isn't exactly "loaded" with trace elements, except for the minor things my water co adds to it. that's the point i was trying to make.

Did the article you read examine what caused the decrease in mortality?

unfortunately, no.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Tap water has a lot of trace elements... Take a look at your water report.


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[ScatMan]

Tap water has a lot of trace elements... Take a look at your water report.


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"a lot" of trace elements compared to what? certainly not compared to ocean or river water? i'm not interested in splitting hairs or defining "a lot" or "loaded". that's getting away from the topic at hand, being: what is essential to add to tap water for marine fish?

 

[Purevil21]

Any reason that you come on here claiming to know nothing but then talking down to everyone? You didn't hear what you wanted, sorry. Your not going to get anyone on here to recommend using plain salt. Marine salt is so expensive because it replicates the ocean protecting slime coats and promoting gill health for your fish. What your fish eats has limited effects on those things.

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