Does anyone put a little salt in thier freshwater tank?

Question

it about killed all my fish!!

Answer 1

did you add too much?

i had a 55 gallon freshwater tank that we added 1 tbsp. of salt per gallon every time we did a water change. we kept healthy fish that way for years.

you need to add salt to freshwater tanks.

there must be something else going on with your tank.

Answer 2

       Freshwater tanks benefit from a certain amount of salt. It acts as a stress reducer, speeds recovery of sick fish, and helps them breathe more easily. Your problem was probably that you added too much. I recommend buying some API Aquarium Salt and putting it in the tank. Be sure to follow the instructions, though.

Answer 3

Your fish's near death experience probably had more to do with cyclng with fish than with 1tbls. of salt in 55 gallons.There are different opinions on using salt in FW tanks.I myself do not think it is necessary,and can cause an undesireable build up of salt on the tank lid,lights,and sides of your tank,also known as creep.It can be used to help treat fish that have ich,but there are other methods that also work.Heck,just turining up the heat and doing daily water changes will get rid of ich.So adding salt or not adding salt is up to you,but I doubt if it had a direct result on the health of your fish in this instance.

Answer 4

You have two different kinds of fish and tanks to go with them. Table salt is not the same salt as in the sea. Never put salt in any fish tank use what is required, and your fish will be healthy and safe from death.

Answer 5

I put 1 tablespoon of API Aquarium salt per gallon

Don't use table salt!

Answer 6

It was just a coincidence that your fish acted like that. The recommended amount of aquarium salt is 1 rounded tablespoon for every 5 gallons of water. You can even put more in when the fish are sick, to help them recover. It had to be a spike in your ammonia level. How many fish did you add?  

Answer 7

i was told to do that by the pet store.i do it only when i change the water and i only put in about a teaspoon full. its special salt for aquariums. it hasnt hurt the fish yet