Specific Gravity of Freshwater + Salt

[Ryanwoodz]

What should the specific gravity be on a freshwater tank with approx. 1Tbls/5 gallons? Will most hydrometers read that low?


Thanks,


Ryan W

[Kasakato]

You dont use salt in a freshwater tank, unless you are treating for ich or nitrites.

[Ryanwoodz]

Ive heard from numourous sources that 1tbls/5gal of water is ok to be used in freshwater tanks?? In order to help maintain optimal fish health.

[tamccain]

Ryan you are fine with that salt. There is some debate as to whether it actually helps or not. I personally don't have salt in my tank now, but I have in the past. When I was raising angels, I used a tbs per 5 gal and I think it helped keep them healthier. I also have had a couple of black mollies that would consistently get sick if I did NOT have the salt in the tank.

[Ryanwoodz]

thanks to all for the feed back.

I would still like to know what the specific gravity is of 5gal of water that has 1tbls of salt, mostly to monitor the salt level for water changes and what not..

Thanks,


Ryan W.

[RTR]

You would need a TDS meter for that reading.

But I see no reason whatsoever for adding salt to a FW tank other than disease treatment or to avoid nitrite toxicity - both short-term additions. Fw fish do not have salt in their water.

[Kasakato]

For the SG of the water I have no clue. And you might need some special equipment for that. IMO there is no point of adding salt to a tank unless you are treating for something.

[cal26w]

u would only need salt for certain fish that u have in your tank such as a moray eel not all freshwater fish need salt

[benedictj]

What fish do you have?

Some fish welcome salt and actually prefer trace salinity that is not considered brackish (most livebearers, some rainbowfish). Others hate it (cories, otos, soft water cichlids). Before anyone starts throwing around generalizations it's important to gather all the facts.

[taffy]

OK, Here's my suggestion, put 5 gal of water in a bucket add your measured salt then do a reading.

[Kasakato]

Great idea!

[TKOS]

It also depends on what type of salt you are adding here. If this is just freshwater aquarium salt then it is mostly NaCl which no fish needs except for treatment purposes. If the fish are the type that need any sort of brackish conditions to thrive (even low level ones )then you will need a marine mix of salt.

If anyone can show proof that freshwater fish thrive with NaCl added to their water long term then that would be great.

For the record I use tap water, no salt and my tanks have had no disease for the 4 years they have been running.

[Ryanwoodz]

Thanks to all for the input. Good call TAFFY.


Thanks again,


Ryan W.

[kjd277]

Any salt will make brackish water, marine salt is fine but raises ph.

[TKOS]

True brackish water is a mixture of salt and freshwater, generally occuring in delat etc.. Thus it is supposed to have a higher pH and avariety of dissolved solids. That is why freshwater fish don't live in brackish water excpet for short periods of time.

[tricksterpup]

I am with Agreement, no salt for fish. I have read many articals by Biologists on this and most say nay. There is no need, it may cause more harm in the long run.
If you want healthy fish, do more water changes, either once to twice a week. Many had always felt that using salt was a tonic and would help improve the health of the fish. Well this is being disproven and just general maintence to your tank is needed.
Replace filters often and do weekly water changes and you will have healthy fish.