Salt

[KYOSHI]

Hello everyone

Today I was at the lfs and over heard one of the sales clerks tell a customer that cichlids salt is really a waste of money , I was shocked

Whats everyones take on adding cichlid salt?

[Coler]

not necessary imo.

The Cichlid buffers contain a mix of ingredients designed to replicate the rift lake conditions...(Ph, Kh, Dh, dissolved mineral content).

Fine, except that these fish unless wild caught have been born and reared in breeder tanks then kept in LFS tanks which are not maintained at those parameters, generally. Of course, you should always enquire as to whether these buffers are used by your supplier, in order to do a proper acclimitisation.

I am aware that a lot of people will say they use them and have great results which I'm sure is true; I just don't think they are necessary and prefer stability in my water parameters, rather than trying to match a notional ideal by adding chemicals.

[Weezer]

Never used it...........:)

[gilkm88]

I do not use cichlid salts, but I do continue to use regular aquarium salt. I find that it helps the fish heal much more quickly from their scraps and bites.

[RedScare]

I do not use cichlid salts, but I do continue to use regular aquarium salt. I find that it helps the fish heal much more quickly from their scraps and bites.

YEAH!

[Star_Rider]

buffers should be added to tanks only when needed.
that said it depend on the 'Cichlid'
there are may cichlids they live on different continents and even on those conetents the water vaires.
I so not add salt to any of my fresh water cichild tanks.( I keep SA cichlids all of which normally live in acidic or neutral water parameters)

[Coler]

As regards buffering (i.e. maintaining your Ph at a required level, usually a higher than 7 Ph, usually for African Rift Lake Cichlids) I would reccomend using appropriate substrate and rocks as opposed to a Cichlid Buffer...it's more stable, easier to maintain consistently, more convenient for water changes.

[mostlycichlids]

I find it very beneficial and have used it for years in my Mbuna tanks. If your tap water is a long way off from your tank water it can be better to use salts. Rocks and substrate will take longer to buffer the water whereas salts will buffer almost instantly for a smoother transition during water changes.

[jm1212]

clean water will do just a good of job as to helping them heal. aqarium salt is only needed when treating for ich. african cichlids should have salt in their water, and can acctually cause health problems in the long run. "cichlid salts" are different though, for they are not made up of NaCl

unless you have water that is soft, there isnt a need for buffers. if the pH of their water was at 8.3, then there would be no use in adding buffers.

[KYOSHI]

Thanks guys

[Rbishop]

Depends on your water quality and if you have farm raised or wilds....