The-Wolf
Ex-LFS manager/ keeper of over 30 danio species
I have heard that adding salt can cure lots of diseases, is this true?
Yes. Salt will kill many protozoan parasites such as Costia, Trichodina and Chilodonella. It will also kill flukes and other ectoparasites. It can also support osmoregulation problems caused by bacterial ulcers; clear congested gills as well as supporting fish suffering from stress.
Because it works in a different way to most disease treatment, it is safer than several treatments and will not negatively affect the bacteria in filters.
How does salt do this?
When a fish gets an infection there is an increase in the water content of the infected tissues. Water tends to follow salt; consequently, a fish placed in a saltwater tends to lose water due to osmosis (the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration).
What dose should I use for the long term?
The best dosage is 1-3 grams per litre [(1-3 ppm (0.16 - 0.48 oz per Imperial gall) or (0.13-0.4 oz per US gall].
What is a salt bath?
A salt bath is where you immerse a fish in a high concentrate of saltwater for a short period of time.
How?
Make up, in a suitable container using tank water, a bath with the dosage of 10-30 grams per litre [(10 - 30 ppm - 1-3%) (1 - 4.7 oz per gall UK) or (1.3 – 4.0 oz per US gall]. Immerse the fish in this for up to 30 minutes. Note; the higher dose may only be tolerated for a few minutes. Ensure that you re-acclimatise the fish when reintroducing back to the tank.
Is salt safe for all freshwater fish?
No, some fish do not respond well to salt (i.e. some barbs, tetras, catfish and koi).
NOTE!
A heavy salt concentration can make fish loose their equilibrium and they simply "roll over". It is advisable to watch fish when using salt baths for any signs of rolling. If you see the fish start to roll, or any other abnormal behaviour, move it to clear water very quickly.
any other points are welcomed
Yes. Salt will kill many protozoan parasites such as Costia, Trichodina and Chilodonella. It will also kill flukes and other ectoparasites. It can also support osmoregulation problems caused by bacterial ulcers; clear congested gills as well as supporting fish suffering from stress.
Because it works in a different way to most disease treatment, it is safer than several treatments and will not negatively affect the bacteria in filters.
How does salt do this?
When a fish gets an infection there is an increase in the water content of the infected tissues. Water tends to follow salt; consequently, a fish placed in a saltwater tends to lose water due to osmosis (the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration).
What dose should I use for the long term?
The best dosage is 1-3 grams per litre [(1-3 ppm (0.16 - 0.48 oz per Imperial gall) or (0.13-0.4 oz per US gall].
What is a salt bath?
A salt bath is where you immerse a fish in a high concentrate of saltwater for a short period of time.
How?
Make up, in a suitable container using tank water, a bath with the dosage of 10-30 grams per litre [(10 - 30 ppm - 1-3%) (1 - 4.7 oz per gall UK) or (1.3 – 4.0 oz per US gall]. Immerse the fish in this for up to 30 minutes. Note; the higher dose may only be tolerated for a few minutes. Ensure that you re-acclimatise the fish when reintroducing back to the tank.
Is salt safe for all freshwater fish?
No, some fish do not respond well to salt (i.e. some barbs, tetras, catfish and koi).
NOTE!
A heavy salt concentration can make fish loose their equilibrium and they simply "roll over". It is advisable to watch fish when using salt baths for any signs of rolling. If you see the fish start to roll, or any other abnormal behaviour, move it to clear water very quickly.
any other points are welcomed