To salt or not to salt

[zelandonia]

I didn't want to ask such a basic question before I did my research but I just spent 2 hours reading most of the pinned topics and past postings on this issue and am more confused than ever. I just wanted to know people's feelings on using aquarium salt on a regular basis for healthy bettas. If you support using salt, how much do you feel is appropriate per gallon? It seems that everyone has a different opinion on this topic so I would appreciate any advice!

z.

(edited for typo)

 

[juliethegr8t]

You're gonna just get more different opinions here, so prepare to get more confused!! Personally, I do use salt. I don't use it with healthy bettas, only with problems such as ich or fin rot. It's also proven useful for preventing fungus and such with torn fins. One more benefit I see is that it promotes healing. Just IME!!

Oh yeah, and I use about a teaspoon or so per gallon.

 

[turbotiber]

Yes I ditto this question... Right now I'm using salt cause my baby is sick, but if it's useful for preventing, then isn't good to put it in with a healthy betta as well??

Excellent question Zelandonia!

 

[juliethegr8t]

I'm sure it would be fine to put in with a healthy betta, but the benefits really come from raising the salinity of the water. If a betta is in salted water all the time, adding salt when they're sick won't make as much of a difference. Hope that makes sense.

 

[turbotiber]

OOOOOH I get it!! That makes a lot of sense!! Like the whole "don't use antibacterial soap ALL the time".... wow, thanks!

(Sorry... i'm acting like this was my thread... hehe ooops! ) )

 

[bkk_group]

we always use a small sprinkle of sea salt for every bucket full we pour into our water aging tub. have been doing this for over a year now with no ill effects.

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

if your using the regualr aquarium salt its fine but dont let water changes go over 10 days apart cause the salt can cause its own problems if its let sit to long

i only use it when i have an ich break out, but yes it's the old "grandpas cough medicine" way of healing

try some thogu and see how he reacts to it, just make sure you dissolve it 1st in water and not just add it to his tank

 

[Discomafia]

so one teaspoon per gallon then? my betta's has had his fin torn and now I've moved him back into his own 1 gallon. and I used something called splendid betta (betta fix remedy) to treat him. really helped and now all growing back but not as nice as it used to be. still continuing medication,and this has been the end of the second week. would salt help in this situation? and how often to do water changes and how much?

 

[shrks1fan]

I use 1/2 - 1 tsp of salt per gallon all the time for preventative measures. Usually 1/2 tsp. if nothing is wrong then if I see a problem I up it to 1 tsp. Works for me. Bettas can actually handle a much higher salinity than that even.

Linda

 

[f250fisherman]

I use it with all my water changes. It is part of what I treat the aging bin with. Doc Wellfish's aquarium salt says 1 rounded tablespoon per 5 gal. I use about a flat table spoon per 5 gal. Salt will harm certain fish, but doesn't harm bettas. Most of my tanks get 100% water changes, but any tank I only do partial changes on, gets water with no salt added every few weeks. Evaporation leaves a heavier salt content in your water. Occasionally using water with no salt will keep the balance. Salt reduces stress, and adds electrolytes to the water. It also promotes healthy gill development. When you hear of a salt bath for a sick betta..the salt content is much higher than for normal use.
That is why the bath only lasts 15 min.or so. Using salt regular is not like medicating when the betta is not sick. The proper salt dosage used for sick bettas will still work.
Go do some research, other than a board that has many opinions. Look for breeders that have been in the business for years, and have a web site. Check the medication companies, and see what their research has come up with. Some of you go to the shows. Look up Dr Gene Lucas. He is still around. Jim sonnier is still showing some, and has a web site. He has one of the best sites around on giving information. Ralph tran is a genius on Betta genetics. He let his site go down, but put many articles in the IBC newspaper for quite some time. Ask around, and you can probably locate some of them.
Dr. Gene Lucas has several articles published. You can get a CD of these from the IBC if you are a member.
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[zelandonia]

Wow, thanks for all the information guys. You each raised valid points which help in my decisions. I will definately follow your advice, f250fisherman, and seek out some of the sources you pointed me to so that I am certain I am basing my decision on firm scientific findings. I do, however, enjoy hearing from the TTF members and finding out what they feel about such issues.

Thanks again!

z.

 

[f250fisherman]

This board is one of the better boards for sure. There is very good information here. For a beginner, they can find everything they need in these posts. On some issues, it will come down to individual opinions or tastes. Thats the way of life in general. As long as we can agree to disagree sometimes, there should never be any arguements. I sure don't mean to step on any toes, or offend anyone. I have several years experience with fish in general, and have done extensive research myself on bettas. I have talked to many top breeders, and try to understand the proper ways to do things. I am still learning too. I just like to help people with anything I can, so I post alot. I figure anyone could just pass over my posts if they want to...heheh

 

[amazingbiologirl]

SALT IS GOOD!!! if you use it on a regular basis it can keep away certain parasites in the tank like ich!! its good!! itll make him a healthy lil betta!!!!

 

[Inchworm]

The best way to ensure a healthy fish is to keep it in plenty of good clean water and keep the temperature stable.

Salt is an excellent medication when needed to treat certain illnesses, but does nothing when it is not. Further, if you keep certain other fish in the tank, such as corys, African Dwarf Frogs or loaches, it will have very detrimental effects on them when used regularly.

 

[ral]

Am curious too.... prevention or curative use only?

Bump.