test results from lfs

[RTR]

Dictionary definitions of "salt":

1. A colorless or white crystalline solid, chiefly sodium chloride, used extensively in ground or granulated form as a food seasoning and preservative. Also called common salt, table salt.

2. A chemical compound formed by replacing all or part of the hydrogen ions of an acid with metal ions or electropositive radicals.

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The first def refers of course to the most familiar salt. The second def is much broader, and while it includes common salt, it is what is chemically referred to as a salt.

HCL (hydrochloric acid) is an acid, replace the hydrogen, H+, with a sodium ion, Na+, and you have NaCl, or sodium chloride, which by definition #2 above is a "salt", as well as the material defined in def #1.

 

[valleyvampiress]

In simple terms, cichlid salts are a regulated mineral mix, and not at all the same discussion as sodium chloride, this is one of the confusers to new folks, but not a bad thing at all. Cichlid mixes just like saltwater mixes contain the proper elements to replicate natural water conditions. These mineral salts do what they claim and if used properly can greatly benefit the type of fish that need them. Cichlid salts are generally magnesium calcium and a multitude of traces specifically mixed to replicate the african lakes.

The salt myth deals directly with the issue of sodium chloride, and the constant false reccomendation that it is needed or even desireable in a freshwater tank. Even the rift Lakes contain levels of sodium and chloride that are far below any reccomendation you may see.

So in quick summary, Sodium Chloride is never good aside from treatment of specified disease for specified periods, Cichlid Salts are a useful compound to replicate hard water conditions for certain fish.

If I didn't cover that well please feel free to redirect me. This is a subject that has a lot of need for clarification in our hobby.
BTW the article By RTR is one of the most precise there is, and Trust me I have researched it extensively. Even with the high regard I hold for MR. Ricketts, I question everything.
Dave

Thank you very much for clearing that up Dave! I was asking this in reference to hardening water. I realize that the whole adding salt to a tank keeps things safe thing is a myth. I just wasn't sure about adding it to harden water. I understand that the two salts we're speaking of are different now. Thanks.