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I've been adding about 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt and a couple of capfuls of Cycle to my tank with every weekly water change. Is this too much? My fish all seem to be very healthy and happy. I was just wondering if what I'm doing is beneficial or just a waste of salt and Cycle. I have a 20g tank and my stock list is on my profile. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

Hi,
In looking at your profile, your tank seems a bit busy.
I would not have had that many fish in a 20G.

As far as the use of salt and Cycle...To me, in an
established tank, it's a waste.
Cycle is designed for a tank that is undergoing the
beginning of the Nitrogen Cycle where Ammonia is converted
to nitrites and nitrites to nitrates. The tank has cycled
and continued use is a waste.

As far as the use of salt is concerned, decades ago it was
thought that salt, added to the tank would act as a
prophylactic and aid the fish in fighting off the ich
parasite. It does this by altering the metabolism of the
fish so that they produce more mucus. The increased mucus
production would, in theory, provide a thicker layer thus
preventing the parasite from burrowing into the host,
or, slough the parasite off the fish preventing attachment.

With today's medications there is no sense in altering
the metabolism of the fish. Unless you are keeping fish
such as mollies, and others that are in truth brackish water
fish, there is no sense in continuing the treatment.

Additionally, many plants will not tolerate the salt.

One problem frequently found with folks who regularly use
salt, is that they forget, or don't know, that the salt does
not evaporate along with the tank water. Each time they
add water, they add salt and eventually the salt reaches a
toxic point for the fish.

Personally, I would cease using the stuff, and over time
with 10 or 20% water changes, flush the stuff out of the
tank.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

dbenn

I think Frank has summed it up very well for cycling salt is out of the question. Also I think you tank is over stocked.

As for removing the salt you will have to 20% water change about every five days. This will take a long time to do at least 10 water changes to be on the safe side.

Prepare the 20% of the water ahead of time this will help in not introducing any nasties into the tank.

I am cycling a 10G at the moment and using a product made by Sera called BiStarted. You use a measured amount to start of with the a small amount every day for ten days.

At the same time reduce the feeding evey second day will be plenty. If you have any floating plants toss them in too this also is a big help.

If you are not sure of what to do after reading these replies please ask and keep asking until you fully uunderstand what to do.

Keith

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Thanks for the quick replies! I know my tank is a bit overstocked (people keep giving me fish). I originally started using the salt because I had some fin rot to clear up and then I just kept on using it afterwards. I do a 15-20% water change every six or seven days. I'll cease with the salt and cycle and see what happens!

Thanks again,
Dwayne