I just got a molly. I was researching and it said that I needed Aquarium salt.?

Question

I currently don't have some. Is it really a necessity ? Can they live without aquarium salt??

Answer 1

Honestly it isn't a necessity because unless you got your fish from an actual fish store more than likely they have been in fresh water for a while now. Although they do not need salt to survive it is better for them.

Mollys are brackish water fish meaning that they can be both fresh and salt water but a place somewhere in between is best for them (that's what brackish water is). If you are interested in setting up a brackish water tank add 1/4 cup salt to every gallon (I believe but you may want to check this measurement). If you do set up a Brackish water tank you will need to use Marine Salt. Although this is healthiest for your mollies it limits your options to what other fish you can have, because most species are salt (at least marine salt) sensitive.

However, if you want them to be fresh water that is fine. However you need to add FRESHWATER salt at the rate of 1 Tablespoon to every 5 gallons. This will help them live not only happier but also healthier lives. Also, this is the recommended amount of salt for all freshwater species because it helps in their respirations.

The choice is up to you!  I hoped I helped!

Edit: I also wanted to note that if you choose to do Brackish water tank that you must slowly raise the salt content as to not shock your fish. you can't add that amount of salt over night. however, if you choose to keep it fresh water and add freshwater salt you should be fine to add it all at once!

Answer 2

theyre brakish but they dont REALLY need it. you can buy some though to redduce stress and to get rid of ick. i use it, it helps with diseases.

Answer 3

I have had mollys in my freshwater aquarium for over three years, and I have never added aquarium salt. Aquarium salt is natrual sea salt that helps improve gill function in your fish and is only recomended for people that are starting a new aquarium or after doing water changes.

Hope this helps and best of luck.

Jacob Castro

Myspace.com/JacobCastro1234

Answer 4

mine do and they're just fine

Answer 5

they dont need it it just helps fight diseases. and keeps their immune sytem well i had some until i got guppies and didnt give them any salt 8D

hope this helps

Answer 6

I raised mine from babies and never gave them salt...they were totally fine!!!!!! Dont worry and dont try it...you may give to much and kill them. Just give them a good life...i loved mine and when I couldn't keep them any longer I gave them to my mom's friend's fish store where they were sold to caring owners I was sad and glad at the same time...wow kind of spun off there sorry! I loved them a lot and miss them so much!

Answer 7

Hi,

You don't need to keep mollies in salty water you had to years ago but no longer breeders are now breeding them for fresh water and not for salt water.