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Oks im about to start a new freshwater tank and was wondering if guppies actually require salt in the tank. I read on this site that you should add 1 teaspoon salt per 5 gallons of water. Is it just for breeding, or can they go without? Thanks.

There's a lot of dispute about whether freshwater fish (including guppies) require salt. A lot of people do add it to their tanks, but I recently had the chance to survey a bunch of aquatic professionals about it -- vets who work exclusively with fish or in aquaculture.

They pretty much unanimously agreed that salt is not necessary for freshwater fish, although some of them said they'd use it in goldfish tanks and koi ponds.

(Brackish fish like mollies are another issue -- they do take salt.)

Which isn't to say that you won't find plenty of people who add it to their freshwater tanks ...

They do prefer salt, but most are bred and raised in freshwater, so it doesn't really matter anymore.

Sounds like my tank plan will work then. Thanks guys.

Welcome to FP Salvatorus!

I've had my guppies for I think 4 years, but maybe only 3 *shrugs* it's been a long time, and I've never added salt to my tank...so I'd say it isn't necessary...and I've had them breed like crazy, and raise them to sell back to the lfs all the time...hml

Last edited by micheIIe at 28-Apr-2005 18:22

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

Guppies, despite what many people think, only come from from freshwater environments and not brackish water. In fact, they are sometimes found even in very soft, acidic water.

Therefore salt is definitely not a necessity with guppies, and since salt has never been proven to prevent, treat, or cure any diseases, it's kind of pointless to add.

---

I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

Guppies are pretty hardy so if you're thinking of maybe adding in different fish with them then you may want to look to see if that fish requires salt. It's pretty much your call.

I don't use salt normally, but if i'm treating the tank for a disease or infection, I may add a little bit to aid with healing.

I've got a fever... and the only prescription... is more cowbell!

I agree with Michelle; I have breed and raised them as well. I never used salt(have a planted 10 gallon with seven of them right now...all males)in the water.

-Keith#2

http://www.ozarkgames.com

Generally speaking they seem to prefer a little salt in the water. Please note that they are found in undersea "rivers" in the Caribbean where the water is quite salty-hard. Yet they can thrive in any water conditions, even in the Phillipines! So, adding salt or not, it all depends on the water conditions at the time they were born but the can get used to a wide range...

Guppies are pretty tolerant to most water conditions.
They do not require salt in their water to live happily and flourish, but will tolerate salt if added.


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