I have a 30 gal tank w/ 4 dwarf gouramis. The flame gourami has a lesion. I have treated w/ small amounts of melafix (1 cap every 2 days 3x) in the main tank. I added 5 TEAspoons of disolved salt tonight as well after reading that it was ok. Since then I have also read dwarfs will not take any salt. I will do a 40% water change tomorrow if I get lots of answers that say they will not tolerate this. Thanks.
2007-10-01 15:24:40 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
they can have some salt but not a lot
2007-10-01 23:39:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've worked in pet stores and it common practice to add some salt to the water to reduce effects of nitrite in new tanks and as a way of preventing parasites and fungal diseases. I've used salt as high as a tablespoon per gallon on new arrivals, so I can say for certain that they're able to handle a tablespoon per 5 gallons.
Whether the salt is the correct treatment for the lesion might be another story. If it was caused by a physical injury and you're trying to reduce the chance of fungus attacking the would, that's fine. But if the lesion is from Columnaris or a bacterial infection, the salt and melafix may not heal this.
2007-10-01 16:40:29 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most tropical fish can 'tolerate' some aquarium salt. I do not recommend using it. You put such a tiny amount in that I really wouldn't worry about it.
Make sure you keep on top of your water changes while your fish has this injury - remember, pristine water is often the best medicine. I would do 30% every 3 days until he's better. Melafix will help too, just follow the directions.
But don't worry about the salt.
2007-10-01 15:43:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Gouramis are actually extremely tolerant of salt and will actually display superior coloring with small amounts of salt in the water. Don't worry about any side effect of the salt.
Soop Nazi
2007-10-01 17:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, freshwater fishes can tolerate salt in their water. In fact, salt help the fish develop the slime coating on their bodies protecting them from parasites and infections. However make sure that you are using non-iodized salt.
2007-10-01 19:36:25 · answer #5 · answered by aquamac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use a little bit of aquarium salt but do not use regular salt that people eat.
2007-10-01 15:29:26 · answer #6 · answered by Madison 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋