Salts in African Cichlids water.

[seank0187]

Ok so I want to know if any of you put aquarium salts in your tank if not why? I know its used for treatment of different ailments. Some say its good for gill function and to enhance color to. We all know that all freshwater has a certain amount of salt content in it. Just want opinions.

African Cichlids are my drug

 

[squirrilah fish]

I've used it for treatment, but I don't use it regularly. I have discovered my Fryeri absolutely hates salt. Don't know why, but when ever there is salt he doesn't come out at all, and hardly eats.


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[Slade]

Every water change in my 55 gallon based on "Rift Lake Recipe". Dissolved in water then added before refill.

1 tablespoon Epsom salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Plus 1/4 teaspoon seachem safe

 

[seank0187]

Oh ok yeah I have two tanks. My lfs said that all all african rift lake cichlids need salt in my main tank i have mainly mbuna. They seem to not mind it i also have one male flavescent in there and he seems to be fine with it I actually cut the recommended dose in half. I have never used salt for my cichlids in all the years of being in the hobby so i took there advice and tried it just did a water change on both tanks yesterday but didn't add salt. Now my other tank which has only my ahli in it cause i got harassed by my peacock hes doing good but since i added salt before the water change he hides all the time i think it's from being beat up but idk. So should i just discontinue the use of salt then unless absolutely necessary?

African Cichlids are my drug

 

[Freakgecko91]

I have never added any salt into my tanganyikan tank. I personally see it as pointless unless treating certain ailments


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[seank0187]

Ok yeah I think I agree with that. I have never used it before as well till now and all my cichlids have thrived well. So I'll stick to what I have always done no salt.

African Cichlids are my drug

 

[Slade]

Whether you choose to use it or not, it's best to keep your parameters consistent. Your cichlids can acclimate to a range but not to constantly changing ph, salinity, etc.

 

[seank0187]

Yeah I know that. I keep both my tanks around the same parameters. I test my water consistently. I even bought a little Milwaukee ph/ppm reader pretty nifty. Little expensive but i thought it would be a good investment

African Cichlids are my drug

 

[Iamtechno13]

Those salts really aren't needed for most fish. Certain fish have fairly specific requirements and in some situations it can be beneficial to try to replicate it but for the most part they really aren't needed.