How does salt help cope with nitrites?
- Thread starter StreetCypher
- Start date
Nitrite blocks (competitive inhibition) the oxygen-binding and carrying capacity of red blood cells, suffocating the fish. Chloride ion, Cl-, blocks that effect.
Just an FYI, since the CL is the agent that actually helps the fish, KCL is generraly as effective as NaCl, and is also helpful to your plants if you have them.
dave
dave
Here's a handy calculator to know how much salt to use:
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/nitrite_toxicity.php
HTH,
Jim
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/nitrite_toxicity.php
HTH,
Jim
Actually, Cl- also works a step earlier than the red blood cell. NO2- enters the fish via the protein that normally pumps Cl- into the fish through the gills. Cl- out-competes the NO2- for entry, so it doesn't get in.
Oh, and yes, I can provide references, if anyone's interested.
Oh, and yes, I can provide references, if anyone's interested.