Epsom salt as digestive system aid in main tank

efors

efors

AC Members
Jun 17, 2008
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San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hi!
I know Epsom salt is good for this and that you can use it better on cichlids in a hospital tank; but, would you use Epsom salt as digestive system aid, leaving and treating the sick cichlids in the main tank? For how long would you treat them there and with how much Epsom salt?
Thanks in advance!
 
seems like any time I talk about salt in my mbuna tanks I get flamed on for adding salt to a freshwater tank, but I use API's aquarium salt for this very reason... of course only adding it when doing water changes.

I still don't get why people rip on the use of salt in freshwater tanks - especially when, as in my case, I am trying to exactly replicate the water chemistry of Lake Malawi
 
Epsom salt is OK (and recommended) to add to your main tank. Probably a much cheaper source of magnesium than Cichlid Lake Salt. Once my bucket of CLS runs out, I do not plan on replacing it; rather, I will add the Epsom Salt to my mainteance program.
 
Jalo Reefa' said:
seems like any time I talk about salt in my mbuna tanks I get flamed on for adding salt to a freshwater tank, but I use API's aquarium salt for this very reason... of course only adding it when doing water changes.

I still don't get why people rip on the use of salt in freshwater tanks - especially when, as in my case, I am trying to exactly replicate the water chemistry of Lake Malawi
Click to expand...

My intentions are only to talk about the use of Epsom salt as a digestive aid for constipation; as mostlycichlids stated. The use of salts for other purposes can be a nice discussion for other new thread. Thanks for your replies, anyways! :thm:
 
If anybody is willing to answer my original questions; please, feel free to do so.
Thank you!
 
If you dose the epsom salt for constipation a day or two with the concentration of 1tsp per 10g. If after 24 hours you see no improvements you can up the dose and add another 1tps per 10g. You can continue on your regular routine. If you are treating a disease then any salt will work epsom salt is not necessary to treat diseases.
 
Yes, it is just for constipation; mostlycichlids. Thanks for your advice!
 
Well since efors question has been answered... LOL

Jalo Reefa' said:
seems like any time I talk about salt in my mbuna tanks I get flamed on for adding salt to a freshwater tank, but I use API's aquarium salt for this very reason... of course only adding it when doing water changes.

I still don't get why people rip on the use of salt in freshwater tanks - especially when, as in my case, I am trying to exactly replicate the water chemistry of Lake Malawi
Click to expand...

No my friend! Don't confuse salts here. The 'ripping' and 'flaming' you're likely referring to is for the addition of table salt to freshwater setups :evil_lol:
Those of us who keep rifties use a cichlid salt, baking soda or epsom salt to maintain the high TDS and/or high pH required for our setups.

I am strongly against the casual addition of table salt to freshwater setups; IMO, it has no legitimate place what-so-ever (unless treating for certain protozoal diseases like ich). Check out this epic post:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169580

That said, I use epsom salt with every single water change in my Tang rift tank to maintain the high TDS these specimens prefer and need. Totally different application...

So, you're in great company :thm:
 
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