SALT TO REDUCE NITRITE

[happyadd]

Is it true that salt can be used to lower nitrite levels in your tank?

I am curently doing a fishless cycle and my nitrite has been over 4.00ppm for over a week now and its really starting to get to me!

Can I add some salt to speed the process up. If so is it normal houshold salt or the stuff from the fish store?

Thanks

 

[daza]

I have never heard of that being the case, but can't say for sure.

Howver, my nitrites were over 4ppm for two weeks and all cycled okay. See the fishless cycle link in my sig.

 

[happyadd]

Your cycle worked well! I'm keeping a record too. My ammonia is dropping very slowly. I haven't added any for 2 weeks now and its sitting at 1.20ppm. So I dunno whats happening really.

I had a bloom where my nitrate went through the roof but that seems to be coming back down now.

I just hate nitrite. I was preying for it to show up and when it did I cant get rid of it!

 

[breezer40]

Aquarium salt can reduce the toxicity of nitrite but it will not lower it. Patience is the only way to ensure the cycle is complete.

 

[emo]

I couldn't comment about it lowering nitrite, but NEVER use household salt i.e. table salt... it has anti-caking agents in it. Use aquarium salt if you ever have to use it

 

[WILDER]

Salt is meant to help the fish out while you are cycling, but only use if you have no scaless fish.

 

[Rodders]

I've read it can be used to treat fish with nitrite poisoning...

 

[OohFeeshy]

I just bung it in if anything looks suspicious. With my betta, I mean.

 

[Fish Buddy]

I have read that too-in Aquarium Fish Magazing. It must be true...

 

[CFC]

Salt has benefits for fish suffering from nitrite poisoning by increasing the bloods oxygen carrying capacity and improving the function of the gills, it does not reduce the ammount of nitrite present in the water.