jac1860
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I had someone just tell me that I needed to add salt to my 65 gal cichlid tank. What the heck? I had never done that before. Is this something I need to look at and why?
I had someone just tell me that I needed to add salt to my 65 gal cichlid tank. What the heck? I had never done that before. Is this something I need to look at and why?
Thanx Con. Sound words.
I use that api aquarium salt I put 1 teaspoon a week with water change for the fish gill function I was reading it helps
The claim that aquarium salt helps gill function refers to osmoregulation - however the only evidence found that supports that is the fact that a small amount of sodium chloride can help block the uptake of nitrite. Otherwise, this claim (like many others about salt) has very little evidence to back it up.
I've heard kosher salt brought up - just for clarification, to make sure there is no misunderstanding, kosher salt alone will not do the same thing as premade cichlid salts. Kosher salt is pure sodium chloride, just like aquarium salt, and the composition of cichlid salt supplements involves a whole lot more than just NaCI. You can make your own cichlid salt, though, using sodium chloride and other ingredients, following this recipe. Not that con was saying they were the same - I was just saying this to clear up any potential confusion
So what I'm reading here is it doesn't matter if I add salt or not. I feel my guys (cichlids) are doing ok without the salt. HOWEVER if they need it to be healthy by all means I'll use salt...
Honestly if you want clearer water either do more water changes or increase your filtration.
Honestly if you want clearer water either do more water changes or increase your filtration.
Best advice you've had
That was a factor too what was years ago when I just started out. Was just saying that I saw a slight different between salt or not using salt it's not a must.