Should i Use Salt in My Freshwater Tank?

Hey guys I have had a fish tank for about a year now and I just bought 3 fishes this morning. I began to read on the internet and I started reading that a little bit of salt is recommended for a freshwater tank, is this correct? I have 4 gold fish, 1 Pleco (algae eater), 1 clown loach, 1 bala shark, and a silver tip shark (the silver tip shark is recommended to have minimal salt). So do you guys think I should add even a little of salt? I haven't had any problems, but maybe salt can help reduce any future problems? It is a 25 gallon tank, and if you guys recommend salt, how much? Thanks

 

I would disagree with that don't use salt with any scaless fish plecos. Corydoras. loaches etc. Welcome to fishlore It says u don't know the nitrogen cycle I suggest u read up on that
Almost All of the fish u have get way to big for ur aquarium just saying I would take most of the fish back

 

Ah yes, what do you suggest I do once they get to big? I have not figured that part out yet haha and thanks I wasn't sure what to do and also I will check the nitrogen cycle right now

 

Welcome to Fishlore Johnny,

If you had only a gold fish in your tank then I would say adding aquarium salt wouldn't hurt, but unfortunately you have certain fish in your tank that has a low tolerance level for salt (pleco and clown loach)

If you would be so kind, please complete your Aquarium Profile Information the best that you can. When you make changes to your tanks and fish stock, remember to update this information. This information will aid others with responses they may have to your questions.

If you didn't know this already, here is a good link to read about the Nitrogen Cycle

The Nitrogen Cycle:

I would also read up on some profile care sheets on some of your fish and I hope you would determine if you have the appropriate size tank for them all:

Clown Loach
Clown Loach Care, Size, Life Span, Tank Mates, Breeding

Pleco, Bala Shark and Gold fish

 

I use API salt from time to time. I never use the recommended amount. I use about a quarter of what is recommended. My Pleco didn't seem to have any problems with it. Most plecos do though because it can burn them. When I use salt I do a wc about 3 hours of adding to add freshwater with out any salt. Most of the time when I use it is when my fish are sickly looking. That doesn't happen very often but when I do add salt they seem to kick right back to their old selves. Most on here don't support salt on here but I believe if you use it for particular reasons only to help your fish it's okay to use.

 

Alright AmazonPassion I will get my information updated right now also what is recommended to do once the fish get to big for the tank?

 

Alright AmazonPassion I will get my information updated right now also what is recommended to do once the fish get to big for the tank?

Actually it's recommended that you get a big enough tank before your fish outgrow their tank

 

Is there anywhere to like sell the overgrown fish or anything?

 

I use API salt from time to time. I never use the recommended amount. I use about a quarter of what is recommended. My Pleco didn't seem to have any problems with it. Most plecos do though because it can burn them. When I use salt I do a wc about 3 hours of adding to add freshwater with out any salt. Most of the time when I use it is when my fish are sickly looking. That doesn't happen very often but when I do add salt they seem to kick right back to their old selves. Most on here don't support salt on here but I believe if you use it for particular reasons only to help your fish it's okay to use.

if you are using salt for medical purposes, that is fine, but I would create a salt bath in a bucked and net the fish out place him in the bucket for a minute, keep him in the net but put him back in his tank for 5 min then repeat the 1 min salt exposure. Unless fish are specifically brackish or marine water fish, I recommend against the use of salt if their tanks. I realize that many fish seem to do fine with aquarium salt in the water but really what you are doing is the same as constantly exposing feeder cattle of antibiotics to prevent illness. If you do good maintenance you should not need the salt to keep the fish healthy.

Is there anywhere to like sell the overgrown fish or anything?

Depending on the fish some fish stores might take them. Usually for no cost and then turn around and sell them. In some cases with fish that usually come in small there is a market for them once they have grown up some.

 

They might become stunted if left in there for too long

 

Alright AmazonPassion I will get my information updated right now also what is recommended to do once the fish get to big for the tank?

I would actually stock the tank with appropriate fish instead of waiting for them to grow out.

Is there anywhere to like sell the overgrown fish or anything?

You can check with your local LFS to return theme for store credit.

 

well I guess that means I know what I'm getting for my birthday this year haha. I really dislike what the stores do so I don't plan on giving them my fish.

 

most bang for your buck...

check this:

 

The problem with netting them is it have so many hiding places they are gone by the time the net hits the water.

if you are using salt for medical purposes, that is fine, but I would create a salt bath in a bucked and net the fish out place him in the bucket for a minute, keep him in the net but put him back in his tank for 5 min then repeat the 1 min salt exposure. Unless fish are specifically brackish or marine water fish, I recommend against the use of salt if their tanks. I realize that many fish seem to do fine with aquarium salt in the water but really what you are doing is the same as constantly exposing feeder cattle of antibiotics to prevent illness. If you do good maintenance you should not need the salt to keep the fish healthy.

 

oh wow that is a nice tank, and what is this netting stuff?

 

When I stick my net in to try and catch my fish.

oh wow that is a nice tank, and what is this netting stuff?