Salt in Freshwater Aquarium

[duncanswi]

Hi,
I have a 38 gal tropical freshwater tank. It has been set up for 6 weeks and seems to be cycling well with ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels at zero. However, we suffered a case of Ich and treated by raising temp to 86 and adding rock salt to 5tsp/gal. This seems to be working although we lost our 4 Black Phantoms. I have been reading on various sites that salt can be permanently included in the tank and that this seems to beneficial. I was wondering if anyone has experience or opinions on this and if it is recommended what levels of salt should be included? As a novice this seems a bit counter-intuitive for a "freshwater" tank but the fish we have (Danio's, Molly's and Platy's) seem to be doing well in it.

 

[Kasakato]

For short term like treating ich its great. Other times its not so great. End of story. (We don't need another long debate).

 

[telecubby]

that was way too much salt for freshwater & your temp was too high & the wrong type of salt was used,you need to dilute with fresh water

 

[NatakuTseng]

The moron has spoken again.

Water temp is fine, add more salt, 1/4 cup per 10gal will do no harm and will help get rid of the ich quicker. Use it as a treatment for now till the ich is gone, remember that salt only leaves the aquarium with water changes, so don't add more after the initial dose unless a water change has been done, and then you only add the amount equivalent to the amount of water you took out. For example, you do a water change of about 10gal, then you would add 10gals worth of salt back into the tank.

 

[TKOS]

Remember to treat for at least 1 week after the last signs of ich. Remove the salt once the ich is defeated, gradually through regular water changes.

I would suggest you have enough salt int he tank, but always dissolve the salt before adding it to the tank.