Bettas and aquarium salt or epsom salt

[Zagz]

My betta tank had an ammonia spike. Most likely due to the addition of the clown pleco. I have done water changes and the ammonia is back to 0ppm. My question is whether adding either aquarium salt to a betta tank, or epsom salt helps a betta or harms him. If it helps him which salt and how much to use? I have read varying recommendations on salt dosages. TIA. Oh and I will remove the pleco before any salt treatment to another tank.

[An t-iasg]

What is the reason for adding salt? Does the betta have dropsy? Neither aquarium salt nor epsom salt will harm a betta, but bettas don't need the regular addition of aquarium salt.

You can find the dosage for aquarium salt on the label. I have most often read to use 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons. If you have mostly livebearers like mollies or platies, the dosage can be increased to 2 tablespoons per 10 gallons.

To use epsom salt for dropsy, try 1/8 teaspoon per gallon. Otherwise, I would not add epsom salt to the tank regularly.

For nitrite spikes, aquarium salt is beneficial.

[Zagz]

I was thinking it might easy any symptoms he might have suffered from the ammonia. That is why I check here first before doing anything with the tanks.

[An t-iasg]

I have never read anything about using salt to help ease the fish's discomfort after an ammonia spike. It could be possible, but I haven't read anything. I was wondering if you meant "nitrite spike", since aquarium salt does help with that.

I bought a betta once with already inflamed gills from a high ammonia level. I used Maracyn 1 or 2 on him, and it seemed to lessen the redness and swelling, but the rust-colored marks on his gills remained the rest of his life. But I don't think you would allow your ammonia to be that high for that long. Just keep monitoring your ammonia level to make sure you're past the mini ammonia spike - I know you will!

[Zagz]

He has no symptoms as I change the water every 3 days in that small tank. LOL I'm just being paranoid I guess.