Aquarium Salt And Guppies

HI there,

I have just joined so HELLO to everyone.

Does anyone know if Guppies need aquarium salt in their tank - I have read so many conflicting articles - some say NO others say YES so I don't know which to believe  :-\

Fishiefriend

10Gall - 5 female guppies  ;D

 

Guppies are freshwater tropical fish and so do not need salt in their water.
Carol

 

Thankyou that's what I thought and I'm sure LFS don't go to the trouble of adding aquarium salt so why do so many articles say that Guppies need salt - I know it is good for preventing diseases and supposed to conditioner the water etc. - just wondering

Thanks again
fishiefriend

 

Don't know why you saw it recommended. We have and breed guppys without salt and they do just fine.
Carol

 

Some people say to add salt to thicken the slime coat which is why I had previously asked you if I should add salt.

 

Sorry if this question had been asked before :-[ When I was researching Guppies many aquarium websites (I can't think of one at the moment - I will have to go through them again) advise using some aquarium salt for guppies because it adds extra conditioning and minerals to the water, helps with disease and they prefer it while others didn't mention it at all so I just wanted to check. I WILL NOT use it.

Thanks Again

 

fishiefriend, I also have seen many websites recommending the use of salt for guppies. however, after reading many threads on this forum it seems not necessary at all. these guys seem to know exactly what they're talking about, have experience and seem to get babies, so they must be doing something right! i, like you, was in a quandary about it, and how much to add etc. it seems NONE is the best way!!!!!! ;D

 

Since guppies don't come originally from a salty environment I don't think they would appreciate it very much. I have seen salt used to treat disease but they still aren't very comfortable during treatment.
We raise and breed our fish with as few chemicals as possible and they not only survive but thrive and multiply
Carol

 

hI guys,
I think guppies do just fine in marine water as well as fresh water. but I don't think it's a good idea to add extra salt in guppy tanks. people who got marine aquarium can keep guppies in their tanks.

 

I've heard that it won't hurt them if there is a little bit added, and especially if they have diseases, but otherwise it is not needed.

 

I have also seen websites saying to add a teaspoon of salt per 5 gallon of water. But I think it's fine either no salt or salt.

 

From experience, I know salt helps when the fish are stressed (like after a move-I add a bit) and when medicatinng your fish, but if you don't have to, then why bother?

 

I was told they need a little aquarium salt not marine salt to assist with water conditions as they are a brakish water fish. I have put some salt in my tank and they seem to be fine, my mum never did when I was a kid and hers were also fine,I suppose it comes down to choice.....

 

Thanks for all your replies/advice I haven't been using any salt and my guppies seem very happy!

Fishiefriend

 

HI Fishiefriend. For what it's worth now the whole debate is over anyway: I only use salt for my mollies if I think something is awry, like the beginnings of ich or a wound.