how often should salt be added?

[guppysereno]

like the title says, how often should salt be added?

once a week during regular water changes?

its for a 20G.

Thanks.

[badcatty]

I mix water for the weekly changes in 5 gallon buckets - add something to remove the chlorine/chloramine/heavy metals, and pure rock salt at 2 teaspoons per 5 gallons. After it sits a while (preferably at least overnight in the fish room to be sure temps are the same), I use this for my water changes.

Since salt does not evaporate and water does, I top off tanks with salt-free water so it doesn't get saltier and saltier over time.

This method has been working really well for me. All of my tanks/bowls get this water - Guppies, Endlers, Bettas, and Gouramis.

[tnedeau]

I"m new to this. What exactly does salt do for the tank? Just regular table salt?

[MattS]

Any type of salt will work, just try to stay away from too much iodized salt, as it builds up in the aquarium.

If you have a tank with plants in it, DO NOT EVER use salt. It will quickly draw the moisture out of the plants and they will not grow as well.

Salt is like an antiseptic for fish, but it can play real havoc with your water chemistry if your not careful.

Remember, there are freshwater fish, brackish fish, and saltwater fish. Some fish can swing a bit in any direction, some cant. Be very careful with salt.

Also remember that water evaporates, salt does not! it stays in the tank until you physically remove it. Individual dried particles or by removing dissolved salts in a water changes.

[FancyGuppyGuy]

As you change water you should add the Aquarium to the New Water. You do not add salt when topping off a tank which from which water has dehydrated out.

I normally add 1/4 teaspoon per 2 quarts of water. I use a 2 quart pitcher.

Anyhow every so often I would add some of the water your changing wiithout putting salt in it. This will stop your tank from building up in salt content as the salt does not evaporate out of the water.

Some guppy breeders recommend 1 teaspoon per gallon of water for guppies.

"Salt increases the ability of water to carry oxygen, helps fish produce good protective slime coats, and adds minerals to the water that fish absorb through their skins. These minerals aid in bone and tissue growth. Salt also provides a hostile environment for fungi and parasites, and so helps prevent disease beyond the natural protection of a good slime coat. Generally, it's less expensive to purchase sea salt at health food stores, rather than pet shops. Although, the sea salt purchased at a pet shop will have more minerals, it isn't necessary to go to that expense. Be sure never to use table salt, iodized salt, or salt with anti-caking ingredients. Also, do not ever use more salt than recommended, as a larger quantity will chemically "burn" your fish to death. Sometimes, large quantities of salt are used for a short period of time to cure specific diseases, but never used on a regular basis."

http://www.ifga.org/

[kimo]

Originally Posted by tnedeau

I"m new to this. What exactly does salt do for the tank? Just regular table salt?

WARNING: Regular table salt may/may not contain IODINE. Iodine (a heavy metal) will kill your guppies.
Use any salt (sodium chloride) that is free of iodine. Sea salt, kosher salt, rock salt.. any of these are ok. Read the label on the package.

[Guppyqueen]

Salt is used as a stress reducer, and provides a slime coating to protect/heal fish from disease/abrasions. Salt is a miracle worker! Instead of wasting TONS of money on medications when your fish is sick, use aquarium salt, for it has incredible healing power. Most diseases are killed, because they can't handle the salt. Hope I helped!

P.S. How often you add it and for what reason should be done so as it says on the package. Some salts are different, so read the instructions.

[Guppyman®]

A waste of time, energy and money. I spent years using salt in my tanks. More hassle than it's worth. Since I've quit using it my fish have never been healthier or happier and my fish keeping regimen is greatly simplified. Obviously people disagree on this subject and if you want to use it, that's fine. Just don't think that it performs miracles. Some people swear by it, some won't touch it. You have to find what works for you and your fish. Like I said - I wouldn't waste my time. Small frequesnt water changes are the secret to success. Just my opinion. YMMV. - Frank/Guppyman®

[MyGuppy]

salt should be used only when the taste of the guppy is becoming "bland", a bit of salt at this point vastly improves flavour! especially when served sashimi style

(just joking for those that took this seriously or couldnt see the sarcasm!)

[Guppyman®]

Originally Posted by MyGuppy

salt should be used only when the taste of the guppy is becoming "bland", a bit of salt at this point vastly improves flavour! especially when served sashimi style (just joking for those that took this seriously or couldnt see the sarcasm!)

I have eaten guppies more than once. The salt helps, believe me. So does the butter and garlic. This is why I don't name my guppies. It's very hard to eat them once you have given them a name. There are very few creatures on this planet that do not get eaten by an indigenous people somewhere. You never heard of Guppy Gumbo? No? May I suggest a vacation to Trinadad? - Frank/Guppyman®