Why would an aquarist put salt in a freshwater aquarium?
Aquarium salt has been used for decades as a sort of “tonic” for freshwater fish. While it’s hard to put a finger on just why salt is beneficial, many aquarists have noticed that certain fish simply do better with a small amount of aquarium salt added to their tanks. What are the advantages of using aquarium salt? First, some tap water sources are very low in dissolved salts compared to certain fish-collecting or fish-raising areas, and the addition of aquarium salt might simply make the fish feel more “at home”. Second, salt provides replacement sodium and chloride ions that stressed or sick fish need. Third, salt may inhibit the fishes’ uptake of toxic chemicals like nitrite. Finally, salt inhibits parasites (for example, Chilodonella cyprini) that are sometimes difficult to diagnose or treat. Do all fish appear to benefit from adding salt? Certain fish, like livebearers and of course brackish water specimens (those that inhabit waters with significant salt levels) like monos, scats,
