Seachem Cichlid Lake Salt...(do we really need it?)

Broham

Broham

Cichlid Champ
Aug 9, 2007
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0
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I have been raising 4 cichlids just doing water changes, maintaining temperature and using pH 8.2 buffer. according to my readings i have received ph of 7.9 or so sometimes 8 but i have not used the salt. The water i have used is the tap and conditioner to remove chlorine etc. My question is, do we need this salt recommended by lfs, and other online pages?

http://www.seachem.com/products/product_pages/CichlidLakeSalt.html This is not the typical aquarium salt found in petco and other lfs but a unique one made specifically for cichlids. Now from what i get it adds trace elements to simulate the habitat and improves spawning. If the main purpose is to spawn then do we really need it for the cichlids to live better? I have read that using salts at all have killed cichlids. who has used this product and recommends it? And if so how long have any of you used cichlid salt for your fishes. I am not talking about disease treatments. thanks
 
I use it and have for 8 years or so. Personally I use it because it has a lot of minerals in it that are not found in my tap water. Some tap water has these minerals but in small concentrations. I use it because IMO it gives the fish the correct mineral content as they have in their natural enviroment. Most will say it is not necessary and I wont argue with that but personally I use it and IMO think it benefits the fish.

On a PH note PH is only part of the equation. You should also consider GH and KH when adding buffers or salts. For instance my PH out of the tap is 8.4 when areated it drops to 7.8. You would think that my water is hard but it's not in fact its pretty soft. Kh and Gh usually runs between 45-80ppm. So before you start adding salts and buffers see how hard you water is and what kind of mineral content you are starting with.
 
akapaul26 said:
I use it and have for 8 years or so. Personally I use it because it has a lot of minerals in it that are not found in my tap water. Some tap water has these minerals but in small concentrations. I use it because IMO it gives the fish the correct mineral content as they have in their natural enviroment. Most will say it is not necessary and I wont argue with that but personally I use it and IMO think it benefits the fish.

On a PH note PH is only part of the equation. You should also consider GH and KH when adding buffers or salts. For instance my PH out of the tap is 8.4 when areated it drops to 7.8. You would think that my water is hard but it's not in fact its pretty soft. Kh and Gh usually runs between 45-80ppm. So before you start adding salts and buffers see how hard you water is and what kind of mineral content you are starting with.
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True. But not necessary unless you are getting wild caught cichlids IMO. Otherwise, if your LFS isn't using it than why waste the money? I think there are easier ways to raise pH and hardness...if needed.
 
paul, thats the exact kind of answer i was looking for. I test hardness and it seems okay. I will definately monitor and do more testing and start the cichlid lake salt. I believe your post may have cleared up some confusion for keepers thinking regular aquarium salt for all fish as opposed to specific cichlid salt for cichlids. THe fish were in a sad environment before i raised them and now they are living luxuriously with clean water, good pH, harder water and plenty of rocks to hide. The cichlid salt will only help them more.
 
jpappy789 said:
True. But not necessary unless you are getting wild caught cichlids IMO. Otherwise, if your LFS isn't using it than why waste the money? I think there are easier ways to raise pH and hardness...if needed.
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Sure there are other ways of raising PH and Hardness. The lake salts listed target natural minerals at higher concentrations for African Lake fish. Tap water just don't have the same benefits. IMO its not a waste of money but others will say it is...
 
Well most would say that since most that you get are tank bred they have never been expose to it.

It is different though when getting a wild cichlid!


By the way where and how do yo get wild cichlids?

I am going to Hawi for the first time and was thinking they would have great wild cichlids there but not sure how well it would go if i took it home with me.

Even if i bag it correctly i still don't think the would let me have it on the plane lol!

I could always send it by mail fro there but that might be a little too expensive!
 
cichlidcichlid said:
Well most would say that since most that you get are tank bred they have never been expose to it.

It is different though when getting a wild cichlid!


By the way where and how do yo get wild cichlids?

I am going to Hawi for the first time and was thinking they would have great wild cichlids there but not sure how well it would go if i took it home with me.

Even if i bag it correctly i still don't think the would let me have it on the plane lol!

I could always send it by mail fro there but that might be a little too expensive!
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Your not going to find wild cichlids in Hawaii because there are no cichlids around Hawaii.
 
I am planning a trip to lake malawi myself and areas near mozambique. General vacation but there are tours called "cichlid tours" go on a boat and search for cichlids with a guide. I believe ill see the water chemistry and other things directly from the source. As far as wild cichlids, you can get some online which are wild caught. I still believe the consensus is the cichlid lake salt has benefits in relation to the health, comfort and spawning ability of the cichlid. More importantly spawning. Has anyone else used the cichlid salt and seen any improvements in the fish? Improved color, longer lasting life etc. I am trying to really get the lowdown on this seachem salt. thanks
 
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