Is Salt Critical For Livebearers?

[Aqua Rookie]

I have two Platys and two Mollies in my tank, and I've read that I have to put some salt in the tank to keep them their healthiest.....is there any truth to this? If so, will it bother other types of fish? Thanks!

 

[loachman]

only mollies will benefit from salt.

some fish don't do well with salt, what other types do you have? Platies will probably be "okay" with salt just because they're hardy, but they are a true freshwater species. Niether one will be in a perfect environment though.

 

[iairj84]

Most livebearers will be fine with any salt in there... if it's an established tank and you are very very good about water changes you shouldnt need to worry about salt with the mollies. You shouldnt have any problems putting a little salt in your tank if you want though. Before I got cories I used to have it in my tank

 

[Jozlyn]

At the risk of being villified ...... you don't need salt. This website and other's recommend salt if you have Mollies, however just as many websites say you don't need too. So having said that, the choice is really yours, depending on what else you have in the tank.

If you keep your tank clean and your amonia and nitirite levels are at zero, then your Mollies will be fine in freshwater. Mine are in freshwater and I don't have any problems, they're happy and healthy.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

have a look at this pinned topic, the author is one of the most respected fishkeeping writers in the country and i'd trust pretty much anything he says!

 

[NoRp]

salt can how ever help prevent or cure deises like ich
so i allways have some laying around and use it now and again if i see mine plant flicking

 

[Maxta]

What type of salt would you add to the water? Would it affect any of these fish:

Rasbora's, Tetra's, Gourami's, Cory Catfish?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

What type of salt would you add to the water? Would it affect any of these fish:

Rasbora's, Tetra's, Gourami's, Cory Catfish?

cories don't like salt at all

 

[Maxta]

Darnit, we just got 4 for the tank downstairs. Guess salts a no no then for my mollies.

 

[ghostchoir]

I don't know about the others but the cories will be hurt if you put salt in Whilst the mollies LIKE salt, it's not essential that it's there. Whereas the cories will hate you forever if you put salt in