How important is aquarium salt for a freshwater aquarium?
Christopher Michael asked:
I just bought a new fish tank that I'm filling with freshwater fish tomorrow, but I need to know if its absolutely necessary to have a canister of aquarium salt in there. Petco does it. I've never seen it done before so what, if any, are the benefits?
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February 13th, 2009 at 5:34 am
not a big deal i have 4 aquariums and never use it. i believe it adds more electrolytes to the water
February 14th, 2009 at 9:48 am
mostly salt is used to treat sick freashwater fish. it isn’t absolutely necessary, i don’t use it in mine though, also don’t forget to get a water conditioner… AmQuel + is really good
February 15th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Unless you are keeping certain species or treating for certain diseases, there is no reason to have salt in the water.
Most fish don’t need it and some are very sensitive to it and it will actually harm them.
By the way, before you fill up a tank and ‘fill it with fish’, I would highly recommend that you read this:
It may save you the trouble of coming back here in three days to ask “Why did all my fish die?”
February 16th, 2009 at 9:49 am
NO, fresh water fish does not need the salt. Infact due to experience,, the salt in the water ended up eating away the skin of the freshwater fish. Salt in the sea acts like a cleanser,,,
And truthfully,, petco and other pet stores do not know what they are speaking of, they are usually just hired hand to do whatever in the store.
The most important thing for your tank is the filter system…..
walmart has one for 50-100 $ thats well worth the price. it is a duel filter system with a nice bit of power behind the pump… more power means better suction of old water to strain out and return clearer water.
I have dealt with fish for almost 8 yrs now,, on my own and learning from 1rst hand.
Good luck with your choice and the future of your fishies.
ProjectX
February 19th, 2009 at 12:05 am
I actually keep aquarium salt, it is handy when needed.
Such as when medicating versus an ICH outbreak.
Introducing new fish to the aquarium.
Finding copepods,planaria, and other wiggly worms that appears( mainly in shrimp tank, due to lack of siphoning the gravel).
When fish are looking dull, or when I find a fish dead.
When I add aquarium salt, it is just about a tablespoon to my 29 gallon tank, maybe half a teaspoon to my 5.5, and a few rocks into my shrimp tank. But as said, I only use it sparingly.
Though it isn’t good towards scaleless fish, but I did use it when I had ICH and none of my corydoras or golden/weather loaches died.
(“‘\(o.o)/”‘)