2006-09-15 12:32:31 · 12 answers · asked by John G 5 in Pets ➔ Fish
A small amount of NON-IODINE salt DOES prevent diseases. It makes the water brackish. You can use regular table salt that has NO IODINE or any other artificial ingredients.
One half ounce of salt per gallon of water (1/2 tsp. per gallon of water) will prevent nitrate poisoning and prevent parasitic infestations. If you remove water from the tank, then add salt as necessary...if you are just adding water, do not add more salt---it does not evaporate with the water.
DO NOT add salt if you have LIVE plants in the aquarium OR scaleless fish (cordydoras and tetras particularly). Make sure you add the salt to some water, and then add it to the tank---don't just drop salt in the tank as it could land all over your fish and harm them.
2006-09-15 13:16:45 · answer #1 · answered by strayd0g 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
most medicines have some salt in them. and salt will prevent a lot of problems and help with nitrate tolerance. I normally use a 1/2teaspoon per gallon of sea salt in my tanks, and if i am medicating my tanks, (rarely need to do that anymore) 2 teaspoons per gallon. check out the link for more info. and anyone who says no salt at all, don't know what they are talking about at all. even freshwater fish like and need a little salt. but good water quality is the most important thing.
2006-09-15 23:34:55 · answer #2 · answered by redhawktotem 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In spite of popular belief - all that Salt will do for your fish is lessen the stress they may be under in times of disease or water parameter spikes (Nitrites specifically).
Salt will not prevent disease, nor will it boost the immune system of your fish. However - Evaporated Sea Salt (Like Dr. Wellfish's product) is what to use in case your Goldfish ever get Ick (that and water temps between 85-86 degrees for about 14 days tops).
Aside from that - I would not recommend having in the tank for prolonged periods of time (prolonged periods of time = 3 or more months). It will do nothing for them if they are not stressed or diseased with Ich (other than aid their gill function, but if either of those conditions are not present - there is no reason to have it present in your tank).
Good water quality is all you need - not salt.
2006-09-15 22:08:04 · answer #3 · answered by sly2kusa 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have goldfish in an outdoor pond and whenever I do a three-quarter water change and top it up with fresh water I throw a cup of household salt into the basin/fountain cavity and run the filter. Just dissolve it in hot water first. As for a tank indoors I don't see how maybe a quarter of a teaspoon would hurt. Ps We weren'tt the original houseowners ..The couple before told us to do it . Unfortunately I lose more fish to herons than disease!
2006-09-15 20:07:46 · answer #4 · answered by renclrk 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No!!! It will slowly poison the fish as the water becomes more highly concentrated with salt.
2006-09-15 20:30:26 · answer #5 · answered by gobananas732 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I've heard of it being used as a medicine for sick goldfish, but they're freshwater fish. I don't think it's a good idea.
2006-09-15 19:42:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i wont reccommend salt for goldfish as it will kill your goldfish
2006-09-15 22:27:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Salt will kill youre gold fish.
2006-09-15 19:34:28 · answer #8 · answered by Eugene 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yeah i agree with the first answer the salt may kill your fish
2006-09-15 21:11:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hello no. Goldfish (ie carp) are FRESHWATER fish, it'll kill them pretty fast.
2006-09-15 19:38:40 · answer #10 · answered by Sara 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋