Salt

[sophie]

As was just discussed in another thread, we were told to add one tbsp of aquarium salt to our tank (30 gal) each time we did a water change. We were told that all tanks require some amount of salt to keep the fish inhabitants healthy.

However, the more I've read here, the more I've heard that salt can be a bad thing. I'm also confused!

you're adding more each time than you're taking out, which over time is going to create a seriouly brackish environment, especially if you do frequent, smallish water changes.

[mikev]

As was just discussed in another thread, we were told to add one tbsp of aquarium salt to our tank (30 gal) each time we did a water change. We were told that all tanks require some amount of salt to keep the fish inhabitants healthy.

However, the more I've read here, the more I've heard that salt can be a bad thing. I'm also confused!

you're adding more each time than you're taking out, which over time is going to create a seriouly brackish environment, especially if you do frequent, smallish water changes.

....which is bad by itself, to the fish that is already in the tank, but may be immediately killing to the new fish you introduce, unless you acclimate really slow: this is the osmotic shock chefkeith talked about...

[wasserscheu]

I would take the saltless recomendations above seriously...

... have recently scanned various forums. Most sites and also German forums recommend salt only for treatment (temporary) purpose. See postings above... For example during skin irritation (stimulates slime production).

Use of salt in a preventive manner was stated to be an additional BURDEN to fish´s health...

...there are detailed explanations regarding osmotic facts that harm freshwater fish in the long run when exposed to salty water.

For treatment purpose only: 1g/10litres when dGH below 10° , above 10°dGH -> 3g/10l (1ml approx. 2.15g, not encounting inclosed air)

Regards

Wolfram