Salt In The Mbuna Tank?

[Imperata]

Hi all! Ok, I just did a big water change and added some marine salt as I have been noticing some nipped fins. I have five in a forty gallon plus four giant danios. The giant danios have definitely cut down on aggression. I added about oh a quarter cup of the salt. How much can they tolerate? Also what do they look like when they are holding eggs?

 

[fishguy2727]

Holding eggs=mouth full like you just fed but you didn't.

Aggression in this situation=not enough mbunas in the tank and the tank is a bit small for mbunas. Doesn't make sense? More mbunas spread out the aggression but that tank is smaller than most would recommend for a mbuna tank (usually recommend at least a 4' tank).

Adding salt may (or may not) treat the symptom, but won't fix the cause. The cause is aggression and must be managed, especially with mbunas. It will only get worse until one (or more) die. Options: 1-remove the aggressor, 2-remove the one getting picked on, 3-Ideally: upgrade tank size.

I am glad I am not a dither in a lion cage.

 

[Imperata]

Well I woke up this morning to a dazzling display of color the likes of which I did not know they were capable of! Salt is really good apparently!Also, saw how the ripped side fins were happening, Some pellets were stuck in between the heater and the wall and the clips that hold it were tearing their fins! Problem solved! Also, my giant danios are the ones doing the bullying, not the other way round. None of them show the least sign of stress.

 

[fishguy2727]

For now.

If you want to use salt all the time use a proper rift lake salt dosed as directed, not 'aquarium salt'.