To salt or not to salt?

[cichlidlover1]

How many of you use salt in your freshwater tanks? I still do but was wondering if should stop using it. Our local LFS has because it has become to expensive so i worry about getting new fish because of that reason. any advice would be helpful

 

[bbortko]

I used it for years with no problems then one day I ran out and never bought more, that was 2 years ago and no problems. You can use solar salt, its the same as aquarium salt except that a 50# bag is cheaper than a liter of aquarium salt.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I used to use salt in my 125 when it was cichlids, mostly when there were aggression-based injuries and such...there were times I kept salt in for quite some time. Personally, I feel fish might be better off without it as it is not their natural situation, but practically speaking, I don't think there is a noticeable difference

 

[Redearsunfish]

Haven't used it in 25 years.

 

[HungDang]

salt is not that expensive, I don't know about other country but if you are in the U.S, you can buy sea salt in Asian Market(may be $3 for a box of 4 lbs). And if you live near the beach, those thing are a lot cheaper. In some eastern Asian country, they may be cheaper, I remember I used to buy sea salt with 10 cent a pound in Vietnam!
and adding a little bit salt in fresh water aquariums can help prevent some diseases which is a good thing!

 

[tyl089]

using it right now to help my blind bichir not to get infections. Seem to be working so far.

 

[philfreenode]

The Great Salt Myth: http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/forum/index.php?topic=1021.0

 

[Otolith]

I use it in the sick tank sometimes, altho some meds can clash with salt really badly. Never used it as a maintenance thing. Healthy animals shouldn't have issue with osmoregulation.