Aquarium Salt & the Planted Aquarium

[Madcrawdad]

Years back I used to add aquarium salt to my water ( 1 Tablespoon per 5 gal) as various sources claimed that it helped with a fish's overall well-being. When I set up my planted aquarium, I did not add any salt as I was afraid that it might negatively affect the plants.

Do any folks add aquarium salt to the planted aquarium? If so, any ill effects observed?

Also, what about activated carbon in the filter? I read some years back that activated carbon stripped the water of many plant-valuable nutrients so I stopped using that too. Is it really all that bad?

Just wondering.

 

[kveeti]

Adding salt for general well-being is not needed on a regular basis in a freshwater tank. Therefore, no conflict with plants. On the odd occasion salt may be required (e.g. to treat a case of ich), for the short term required, it will not adversely affect most plants. Obviously, I haven't had experience with salt and all the plants there are. I can say java ferns didn't even 'blink'. Crypts were all right for 2 weeks, on the third week started crypt melt, but quickly recovered as they are apt to do from that. However, you can avoid even the short-term troubles if you quarantine new fish first.

Carbon also isn't needed regularly, even without plants. When I found that out a few years ago, I stopped using it, saves money.

 

[Marinemom]

I would not use salt or activated carbon in a planted tank. They tend to have adverse effects in the long run for the planted aquarium.

Marinemom