Salting New Tank

[kelz0429]

Hello all!

I am starting my very first Goldfish tank. I have a 20 gallon tank, AquarClear 50, small air wand and air motion aquarium ornament to help with aeration.

I am experienced in the keeping of Bettas and other tropical fish--I am brand new to Goldfish. I normally add 1/4 of a teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Will this work with Goldfish? I am under the impression that Goldfish need a higher concentratoin of salt than do tropical fish--is this true? If so, how much salt should I add to my 20 gal?

Thanks so much!

[viscosity2004]

In general, a teaspoon of salt per gallon aids during the cycling process if nitrites spike up, but you don't have to salt.

1/4 teaspoon should be fine as a general tonic.

[daryl]

Nenn is absolutely correct.

1 Level Tablespoon of large grained aquarium salt per 5 gallons = (approx.) 0.1% salt

2 Level Tablespoons of large grained aquarium salt per 5 gallons = (approx.) 0.2% salt

3 Level Tablespoons of large grained aquarium salt per 5 gallons = (approx.) 0.3% salt

1 level teaspoon of large grained aquarium salt per gallon = (approx.) 0.1% salt

2 level teaspoons of large grained aquarium salt per gallon = (approx.) 0.2% salt

3 level teaspoons of large grained aquarium salt per gallon = (approx.) 0.3% salt

Salt at 0.1% is useful for helping fish cope with a tank that is not fully cycled. It helps to protect the gills in the presence of nitrites, most specifically.

Salt at 0.3% is useful for helping kill off or greatly reduce numbers of parasites. Many parasites that commonly afflict goldfish can be killed with 0.3% salt in the tank.

Salt in higher concentrations can be used for a short term dip - to strip the slime coat and all the adult parasites that may be in the slime coat of a fish.

Many people choose not to use salt on a regular basis - prefering to keep it for times of need. A parasite that has never been exposed to low levels of salt is more sensitive to it when it is used as a treatment.

[kelz0429]

Thank you both for your help.

I have decided not to add any salt for the time being.