To Salt or not to Salt?

Question

Pros and cons for adding salt or not adding salt to a Fresh water tank.

Just curious on the responses.

Answer 1

Depends on the type of fish you have.

Some fish prefer it therefore it's fine to use a little more.

But for disease prevention when adding new fish, 1 TBS per 5 gallons of water is a good dose. Add this slowly 10-15 minutes between TBS's you dont want to dump it all in at one time.

I salt my tank but I have mollies they like salt and prefer it.

it's not necessary but it's good for disease prevention like I mentioned, when adding new fish for a regular tropical tank.

cons? well I guess you have to worry more about your equipment being damaged from the salt other than that, I dont think there are any.

Answer 2

Huh?

For what?

Why?

Answer 3

hmm is this to contemplate whether you want a SW or FW setup?

if your new to this hobby its always better to go with FW because it teaches you alot about fishes and the fishes are alot more hardy and cheaper!

but if your asking to add salt in a FW this would be because one of your fishes has a sickness and you wouldnt want it to spread on

Answer 4

mmm...if u want to kill your fish put a high concentration of salt in the water =D

Answer 5

I am glad you put this up here! But I have to say I don't really like the site because I feel it is biased towards not using salt. It is weird that if salt was as bad as they say so many experienced aquarists would still choose to use it! I have to go where my proof lies and that is with experience...from what I seen as long as used in the right amount salt works wonders for your fish!

Answer 6

I do not add salt to my FW tanks, mainly as I have salt intolerant inverts and fish (otos and corys). I feel salt is overrated and often marketed as a "cure all" it seems, which it isn't.

Answer 7

Pros: Salt, especially with considerable amounts of calcium and magnesium, aids greatly in osmotic function and respiration.  The whole process of trasporting molecules through cells, whether gills, the swim bladder, or the skin, rely on potassium, sodium, and chloride ions, as well as many others.  http://www.brookscole.com/chemistry_d/te...  Salt is a mild irritant that will stimulate extra mucus production, aiding in defense against pathogens, but in prophylactic doses, it will NOT kill most pathogens.

Cons: It is an irritant, and as such, will cause minor inflamation in the gills.  Overdoses will lead to more severe inflamation and possibly fin necrosis.

As long as you stay within therapeutic levels (less than roughly 2 grams per gallon), there is little or no detriment, and only benefits.

Answer 8

you should only add salt if your fishes are from salt water dummy