Bettas + Salt = ?

[PurpleSmurf]

I just saw this site stating that bettas require salt at the rate of 1tsp / gal.

I've never ever heard this before so I'm interested. IS this just someone spouting off dis-information, or is legitimate?

http://www.petfish.net/betta_care.htm

 

[OrionGirl]

No, bettas do not need salt anymore than any other FW fish.

 

[TKOS]

My bettas seem to develop fin problems and I use salt to help them get through those problems. But once things look cleared up I stop using salt and they go on as happy as ever. I think that the main problem for me was the tank temp was too cool. I have had much fewer problems since turning the heat up.

But I don't think salt needs to be in there all the time. If you find (as I did) that you frequently need to use it to cure problems you shouldlook to see what is the cause of those problems.

 

[MarkLehr]

Bettas do not require salt. This problem started with breeders who would keep elevated salt levels as a disease preventative. Then, when introduced into your freshwater aquarium at home, the Bettas were more likely to come down with disease. As such, many people began preaching that Bettas require salt. Same goes with Kribs. I would suggest you use the normal level of salt that you have always used in your freshwater aquariums. The recommended level in the article linked is fine, but not required.