I agree with JD. I did in-depth research a couple of years back for an article on salt (another forum) and I found no reliable source--including Neale Monks--who advocated the use of any salt in a freshwater aquarium, except to treat specific issues on a non-permanent basis. Dr. Monks is not active on TFF currently (more's the pity, I have the utmost respect for his advice) but his thinking may well have changed since he wrote that post. A more recent (2010) article [here: http
/www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebindex/SaltUseFWArtNeale.htm] in which he is detailing the use of salt (common salt and epsom salts) for treatment of specific diseases, includes this paragraph:
(1) Salt doesn't magically make an aquarium a better place
There's absolutely no need to add salt to freshwater aquaria except under the circumstances described above. At best, it'll do nothing of any value at all. At worst, it'll stress salt-intolerant fish, making them more vulnerable to disease and less likely to live to a ripe old age.
There are significant physiological issues for all freshwater fish when forced into a saline water environment. Plants can indeed be affected too, to varying degrees depending upon species.
Byron.
/www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebindex/SaltUseFWArtNeale.htm] in which he is detailing the use of salt (common salt and epsom salts) for treatment of specific diseases, includes this paragraph:(1) Salt doesn't magically make an aquarium a better place
There's absolutely no need to add salt to freshwater aquaria except under the circumstances described above. At best, it'll do nothing of any value at all. At worst, it'll stress salt-intolerant fish, making them more vulnerable to disease and less likely to live to a ripe old age.
There are significant physiological issues for all freshwater fish when forced into a saline water environment. Plants can indeed be affected too, to varying degrees depending upon species.
Byron.
