Brackish-Aquarium Salt?

[txbelle221]

I have two fish that I know of that are Brackish water fish. I thought that just meant that the fish needed some salt in their water. But after reading a few articles I am trying to understand that there is a difference?

My 29 Gallon tank has 2 Angels, 2 Dwarf Gouramis, 1 Knight Goby(brackish) and 1 Bala Catfish(brackish I believe this is a Columbian Catfish). I also want to add an African Butterfly Fish. I have the regular amount of aquarium salt, 1 tsp per 10 gallons, but if I am understanding right then this does not mean that my tank is "Brackish". To make my tank brackish I need to add sea salt? is this right? And if I do that, do I need to move my Angels and Gouramis?

And if I do move my fish, can I move the Brackish fish to the 55 gallon with the Mollys, Platys and Danios? They are salt tolerant right? Or should I move the Angels and Gouramis to the 55 and make the 29 a purely Brackish tank?

Another question, if I do make the 29 a brackish tank or the 55 for that matter, how do I go about adding the salt since I already have the regular salt in there?

I am sure these are probably some stupid questions, but was never told the difference when I bought my "brackish" fish.

I appreciate any input anyone can give. The fish are doing fine now, but they are still young and I think that the older they get the more they need salt. They are my two favorites and I want them to live long lives.

Thanks,
Christy

 

[Dragonslair]

You only need to make the water brackish if the fish from your lfs is either caught in the wild and the estuary is brackish water or your lfs have kept them in brackish water. Most fish however are bred in captivity and have been reared in just normal water. to place them in brackish water may kill them. When you see and hear fishkeepers use the term, it is often referred to wild fish in their natural environment.
OR you want to create a specialist tank with just that type of fish in it. Even then the salinity needs to be adjusted over a number of weeks so the fish get used to it.

 

[txbelle221]

Thank you for your reply....I don't believe that the fish were caught in the wild....and both fish at my lfs were in with her Mollies. She told me when I bought them that they were Brackish........but I have had the catfish for about 3 weeks and the Goby for about 2 weeks in my tank and they seem to be okay....the catfish stays in the current at the back of the tank swimming all day, but he knows when to come out of it and eat. So as long as they are doing okay in this tank I should probably leave it? Just keep adding the aquarium salt during water changes?