Melody
Apr 19th 2007, 11:43 AM
Since this has come up in other threads, I was thinking it might be useful to pick your brains for experiences. I would like to add a list of sensitive creatures that people have used Aquarium Salt with to the 'Natural Remedies' thread, so others can have some reassurance if they'd like to try it.
It is generally accepted that salt is a better alternative to med's if it works. I feel that it would be better for most creatures than med's as many of those are hard on fish as well.
Some tips I've read about it are starting with a low doseage, halfing the doseage and only using it when there's a problem rather than all the time. It is also recommended that the salt be predisolved and then poured into the filter stream or other water movement, so no tank occupants get a concentrated dose poured on them.
I sometimes wonder if the alert for sensitive fish didn't come from the days when people used Marine salt. Marine salt can change both the salinity and water parameters, and it has occured to me that the latter may have also caused the problems in fish. It is also stronger, and we didn't know much about dosing it in freshwater until a few years ago.
I also suspect catfish sometimes eat the larger salt rocks, causing death. When someone suggested that may be the case for my Cory's, I stopped adding it that way and never had another death.
Aquarium salt is intended for freshwater use. You can also use Kosher salt or any form that does not have iodine. Personally I prefer to use aquarium salt because it has been tested specifically on fish. Dr. Wellfishes is my fave. I use Marine salt quite often because most of my fish like it anyway, such as Livebearers. However, many people use the other options without a problem, so don't let my paranoia scare you off...lol.
Please keep in mind that any experiences here are subject to variances. What works for someone may not work for you, but at least you'll know that it is possible to give it a try. Please proceed at your own risk.
Personally, I've used aquarium salt and marine salt with Snails (very little), Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Catfish, BN Plecos, Rubberlip Plecos & various Cory's.
What sensitive fish have you used salt with & what precautions did you take? Did you use Marine or Freshwater Aquarium Salt? Actual Aquarium salt or one of the alternatives, such as Kosher salt?
If you've posted your answer elsewhere, feel free to copy & paste - I don't want to take too much of your time just because I decided to start a separate thread. :GEEK: :laugh:
It is generally accepted that salt is a better alternative to med's if it works. I feel that it would be better for most creatures than med's as many of those are hard on fish as well.
Some tips I've read about it are starting with a low doseage, halfing the doseage and only using it when there's a problem rather than all the time. It is also recommended that the salt be predisolved and then poured into the filter stream or other water movement, so no tank occupants get a concentrated dose poured on them.
I sometimes wonder if the alert for sensitive fish didn't come from the days when people used Marine salt. Marine salt can change both the salinity and water parameters, and it has occured to me that the latter may have also caused the problems in fish. It is also stronger, and we didn't know much about dosing it in freshwater until a few years ago.
I also suspect catfish sometimes eat the larger salt rocks, causing death. When someone suggested that may be the case for my Cory's, I stopped adding it that way and never had another death.
Aquarium salt is intended for freshwater use. You can also use Kosher salt or any form that does not have iodine. Personally I prefer to use aquarium salt because it has been tested specifically on fish. Dr. Wellfishes is my fave. I use Marine salt quite often because most of my fish like it anyway, such as Livebearers. However, many people use the other options without a problem, so don't let my paranoia scare you off...lol.
Please keep in mind that any experiences here are subject to variances. What works for someone may not work for you, but at least you'll know that it is possible to give it a try. Please proceed at your own risk.
Personally, I've used aquarium salt and marine salt with Snails (very little), Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Catfish, BN Plecos, Rubberlip Plecos & various Cory's.
What sensitive fish have you used salt with & what precautions did you take? Did you use Marine or Freshwater Aquarium Salt? Actual Aquarium salt or one of the alternatives, such as Kosher salt?
If you've posted your answer elsewhere, feel free to copy & paste - I don't want to take too much of your time just because I decided to start a separate thread. :GEEK: :laugh: