will red swordtails die without salt in the water?

Question

on the petco website for red swordtails it says "Swordtails prefer a degree of salinity in their water and adding one teaspoon of aquarium salt per two gallons of water is highly recommended." .... but do they HAVE to have salt? or can they live in just freshwater?

but none of my other fish require salt, so would it hurt my totally freshwater fish if I add salt? if so I don't want to buy a swordtail.

Answer 1

no they dont "nNEED" it, but like u read it is referred as swordtails are wildly brackish, but unless you have wild swordtails(which is most related to the green varity) most swordtails have been raised all of their lives in freshwater and it will be fine in 100% FW.

Now when they are sick with a paracite u really should add aquarium salt, to the recommended amount as they can handle alot of salt,and paracites like ich, cant.

So fnally: you dont need it, but it is like stated, referred. not required.

Answer 2

You are right, they can live fine in freshwater, but as the website indicates, they do better with some salt in the tank. So you need to ask yourself, do I want to save $1.00 every few months for some kosher salt to go in the tank and have the fish survive or do I provide this little extra care so the fish will thrive?

MM

Answer 3

Aquarium salt doesn't really make it salt water. It is a very small amount that you are adding. It can help your fish stay healthier in the long run so why not use it? The can live just fine without it though.

Answer 4

I not use salt in my fresh water tanks as my live plants do better. I never had a problem with swordtails doing this. But, many may disagree. It a matter of personal preference.
I never kept Black Mollies in a freshwater tank either, I put them in my Saltwater tank. Believe me they will live. But, people would still disagree.

Answer 5

the salt does not evaporate, only the organic water. so if an entire glass of salt water evaporates you would be left with salt continues to be all over the interior the glass. i extraordinarily think of that salt shouldnt result the cost of evaporation

Answer 6

all water has salt in it in the first place. I recommend that you never add anything to your water that you cant test for.
Also whats good for one fish may not be true for another so I would not make any changes unless you are trying to breed your fish.

Answer 7

no they don't HAVE to have salt, but a small amount in your tank will help all of the animals in there. it also lowers the risk of illness.