So many members get mixed up on which salt is used for what. Everybody please post this where you can get to it quickly.
Jun 5, 2019
I realize that the use of salts in freshwater tanks is a debated topic but that is not my purpose in posting this today. I simply want to clarify the confusion that many are having in using salt for freshwater fish. Below are some guides that I hope will help those of you that are interested. I couldn’t find a previous sticky on this topic so forgive me if there is one existing on our forum.
Table Salt There is both iodized and non-iodized table salt. Neither of these salts should be used in fish tanks as they both have caking agents which are harmful to fish. However, non iodized salt can be used to clean nitrogen pads, and as a disinfectant. Very good to use in tanks and on equipment being disinfected after disease/illness. Cheaper to use in such cases than aquarium salt.
Aquarium Salt. I highly recommend purchasing aquarium salt from your fish store as opposed to rock salt if you live in the U.S. This is because aquarium salt is refined from the purest parts of salt minds and with the safety of fish at hand. Rock salt can contain lead and nickel which are harmful to fish. Aquarium salt is good for improving gill function, reducing stress, disinfecting wounds, promotes healing, reduces osmotic pressure, inhibition of nitrites, and improves slime coat. Use for fin/tail rot and to disinfect and encourage healing of open wounds. Best used directly in the tank or quarantine tank
Epsom Salt. Pulls fluid out. Good for Pop Eye, dropsy, bloating, and constipation. Best used in fish baths.
Note: Always dissolve salts in dechlorinated water before adding to fish water as salt can burn and sting fish.
Dosages of above do depend on type of fish and disease/injury being treated for. Please use according to package directions or Google amounts and methods for each type of use.
Note: This may not be a complete list of uses but should help eliminate some confusion.
WARNING: Do not use salt on scaleless fish or invertebrate. Please check salt tolerance of your particular fish breed before using salt treatment. Many plants can not handle salt so use caution in a planted tank. In such cases, treat fish in a QT tank. Information above is intended for treatment purposes only and not intended for ongoing use in your aquarium.
Last edited: Jun 6, 2019
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