Will Adding Lake Salt Hurt My Catfish?

[Razor7Music]

Hello--

My pH and KH are very low and despite my efforts with natural rock work, it's looking like I'm going to need to add some lake salt. I am looking specifically at Seachem's Lake Malawi Lake Salt as was advised by a breeder.

My challenge is that I also have a featherfin catfish in there and he is of course scaless. Will adding salt hurt him?

I posted this question to Seachem, but I'm not sure how long it will take to hear back.

Thanks,

 

[Razor7Music]

Wow--I already heard back from Seachem. I like them. Anyway, thought others would be interested in what they said:

"Hello Stephen,
There is nothing in either the Cichlid Lake Salt or the Malawi/Victoria Buffer that should harm your catfish. The Lake Salt is simply a blend of salts designed to replicate the natural environment of Cichlids. It contains all physiologically essential elements such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and includes trace components such as iron, aluminum, and iodide. It does not contain harmful or unnecessary ingredients such as nitrates, phosphates, arsenic, lithium, or cadmium that could potentially harm any of your tank inhabitants. When adding the buffer, just keep in mind the pH at which your catfish will thrive, as well as your cichlids. Please let us know if you have further questions."

 

[mahemaheman85]

seachems the best, i use the victoria/malawi buffer and the lake salt

 

[Joshmac8]

I add just aquarium salt to my tank and my syno looks great

 

[Pittbull]

Most scaleless cats do not like regular salt like non iodized salt from your grocery store but as stated above those rift lake salts should be ok just keep an eye on them when doing so and if they freak out (you will notice this) quickly do a large water change..

 

[Lupin]

I add just aquarium salt to my tank and my syno looks great

"Aquarium" salt is just pure sodium chloride for marketing ploys. There is a big difference between "aquarium" salt and mineral salts with buffers designed for African Rift Valley cichlids. Don't waste your time dosing salt. Keep it in the cabinet until ich happens as it is pretty much useless when used permanently.