would putting a bit of sea salt in my tropical aquarium be good for the fish?

Answer 1

Yes. As another answerer said, it's better to use salt without iodine (which most sea salt mixes will have), but I've done it in a pinch without harmful effects. It is best to use non-iodized salt like those labelled pickling, canning, kosher, or aquarium salt.

From a biology/physiology standpoint, all organisms need a little salt for proper cellular function. Fish have cells in the gills for acquiring salt (in freshwater) or expelling excess salt (in saltwater). There will be some salts (not only NaCl, but salts of potassium, magnesuim, and others) in your tap water and some in their food, but adding a SMALL AMOUNT of salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons or less) won't harm them. Some "freshwater" species (cichlids) even require some, and in my experience, livebearers actually do better with it.

I wouldn't encourage the use of "rock salt" unless it is specifically for human consumption or aquarium use. "Rock salt" is the term usually applied to salt as it's mined out of the ground - like the stuff you throw on driveways and sidewalks to melt ice - and can contain imputities that might affect your fish.

Answer 2

Sure. Don't use table salt (it contains iodine - not really enough to kill your fish, but it isn't good for them), or Reef salt (which contains other additives and minerals); rather, simply use Aquarium Salt or Kosher Table Salt.
1 flat tablespoon per 5 gallons is about the right amount, but disolve it in a bowl of tank water before adding it to the tank.
Salt can help fish overcome parasitic infection and minor ailments like finrot, but note that salt will not be particularly beneficial to an already healthy tank.

Answer 3

Yes you can add aquarium salt to your freshwater aquarium but no more than 1 teaspoon per 2 to 3 gallons of water.

This helps to deter some parasites infections, and helps your fish maintain the proper mineral levels they need to be healthy.

Edit!!! Do not under any circumstances use table salt with iodine, or rock salt these can both kill your fish. Go to the pet store and get some aquarium salt.

Answer 4

Not sea salt like the kind u eat- it's been specially treated to be consumed. You can buy the kind of unaltered sea salt your tank needs at a pet store that has salt water fish. Usually they have also added other minerals etc to make it even better for your fish.

Answer 5

Here below is a piece of one of my articles. It's all based on my personal experiences and I use sea shells in my freshwater tanks for years without any damage on fish. Shells are better than salt, because they release minerals and salt slowly.

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For better stability, use shells, rocks and, as I mentioned above, some driftwood. Rocks contain elements like calcium, shells do so. Sea shells are welcome, since they guarantee great balance. Basically, any excrement is acidic, sea shells are alkaline, so alkaline and acidic substances flatten. Be careful with any shell, because small fish may swim inside of them, but they won’t find a way back. The same goes to the rocks. Rocks should contain too much calcium only if you run a specialized tank for some kind of African cichlids. Place them the way they won’t fall down.
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Answer 6

If it's saltwater then yes, they need that to survive. O.o If it's a freshwater then get -freshwater- salt. (Instant Ocean is saltwater. I'd go with API brand or something like that. Make sure it says freshwater on it.) Depending on the fish you own this could help or kill them. I made the mistake of adding a bit of salt to my community tank because salt can be good for Guppies/Platys (I breed them) and totally forgot about my Pleco, Kuhli Loaches and African Dwarf Frogs. x.x; Thankfully the frogs lived (Though one later on died of unknown causes) but I lost my Pleco and Loaches. :(

Answer 7

yes this great fro you fish. It would be best to use salt where they haven't added iodine(some sea salt companies do) and rock salt also works just as well. it really helps the conditioning of your fishes protective slime coating.

Answer 8

NO!!! well, not unless they are salt water fish.