Raechal
Fish Gatherer
Salt for use in the aquarium
Adding salt is a quite popular method to curing some fish diseases that may occur in the aquarium. Salt should NOT be used on a regular basis if it is not NEEDED, but it can be quite beneficial when used at the right time. It is okay to use aquarium salt for a short term period. For example, when you want to ward off a secondary disease, or when hoping to prevent any disease after bringing a new fish home.
"Salt puts electrolytes in the water that stimulate production of the mucus coating that protects fish from infection. At the same time, it alters the chemical balance of the water, usually increasing the pH. Salt also helps inhibit bacterial growth at least the kind that seem to cause algal blooms in freshwater aquariums."
Salt assists in the healing of injuries, promotes formation of slime coating, improves gill function, reduces the buildup of nitrite (useful when setting up new tanks: 1/2 ounce of salt per gallon), and is effective against some parasites. However, it is a double-edged sword; there are also some downfalls. For example, some plants and fish species cannot tolorate salt. This yet another reason you should do a little research before treating a problem.
(Information gathered from http
/www.fishjunkies.zinious.com/Treatments/salt.php)
Aquarium salt is NOT the same as table salt!
Please do NOT use regular table salt for any aquarium use! Aquarium salt is 100% sea salt with NO extra additives. Table salt contains iodine which could really hurt your fish. Aquarium salt should be available at any good LFS and even at some Walmarts. (That is where I purchased mine)
When to use aquarium salt?
You can use aquarium salt to treat a number of diseases your fish may have. The following diseases will be listed below:
Ich/White Spot
Velvet
Fungus
Cataracts
Finrot
Gill Flukes
Clamped fins
Anchor Worms
How much aquarium salt do I use?
Usually the basic dosage for using aquarium salt is 1 tablesalt per 5 gallons. For quick salt baths (5-10 minutes or up to 30 if necessary) add a teaspoon per gallon and follow with a 25% water change weekly. Do not add anymore salt to the water.
Can my fish tolerate salt?
Usually the basic rule is to NOT use salt with any scaleless fish. Below are fish that are known to not tolerate salt very well:
-Any scaleless fish (Highly sensitive)
-Corydoras (Highly sensitive)
-Tetras (fairly sensitive)
-Bettas (fairly sensitive, can tolerate some salt but not in large amounts)
Also if you have a live planted tank I advise not to use salt as it could kill them. If you need to treat a sick fish with salt I recomend to move them to a hospital tank and treat them there.
Adding salt is a quite popular method to curing some fish diseases that may occur in the aquarium. Salt should NOT be used on a regular basis if it is not NEEDED, but it can be quite beneficial when used at the right time. It is okay to use aquarium salt for a short term period. For example, when you want to ward off a secondary disease, or when hoping to prevent any disease after bringing a new fish home.
"Salt puts electrolytes in the water that stimulate production of the mucus coating that protects fish from infection. At the same time, it alters the chemical balance of the water, usually increasing the pH. Salt also helps inhibit bacterial growth at least the kind that seem to cause algal blooms in freshwater aquariums."
Salt assists in the healing of injuries, promotes formation of slime coating, improves gill function, reduces the buildup of nitrite (useful when setting up new tanks: 1/2 ounce of salt per gallon), and is effective against some parasites. However, it is a double-edged sword; there are also some downfalls. For example, some plants and fish species cannot tolorate salt. This yet another reason you should do a little research before treating a problem.
(Information gathered from http
/www.fishjunkies.zinious.com/Treatments/salt.php)Aquarium salt is NOT the same as table salt!
Please do NOT use regular table salt for any aquarium use! Aquarium salt is 100% sea salt with NO extra additives. Table salt contains iodine which could really hurt your fish. Aquarium salt should be available at any good LFS and even at some Walmarts. (That is where I purchased mine)
When to use aquarium salt?
You can use aquarium salt to treat a number of diseases your fish may have. The following diseases will be listed below:
Ich/White Spot
Velvet
Fungus
Cataracts
Finrot
Gill Flukes
Clamped fins
Anchor Worms
How much aquarium salt do I use?
Usually the basic dosage for using aquarium salt is 1 tablesalt per 5 gallons. For quick salt baths (5-10 minutes or up to 30 if necessary) add a teaspoon per gallon and follow with a 25% water change weekly. Do not add anymore salt to the water.
Can my fish tolerate salt?
Usually the basic rule is to NOT use salt with any scaleless fish. Below are fish that are known to not tolerate salt very well:
-Any scaleless fish (Highly sensitive)
-Corydoras (Highly sensitive)
-Tetras (fairly sensitive)
-Bettas (fairly sensitive, can tolerate some salt but not in large amounts)
Also if you have a live planted tank I advise not to use salt as it could kill them. If you need to treat a sick fish with salt I recomend to move them to a hospital tank and treat them there.
