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Post by starlight on Jan 19, 2004 19:58:31 GMT -5
I currently add 1/2 teaspoon salt per gallon. An old-time betta breeder feels that I should cut this down a bit. I've always felt aquarium salt avoids parasite/fungus occurance which is why I have used it. If I cut back on salt, I could use it as a treatment against fin rot and other problems.conditions.
Do bettas really need salt? While old-time betta purists don't feel the need to use salt, some high-profile betta breeders advise using 1/2 tsp/gallon. Newcomers read their advice but is salt or that much salt really needed?
What do you think?
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Post by mickey85 on Jan 19, 2004 20:17:45 GMT -5
I'd have to say that in the betta world I'm a newbie, but I use aquarium salt in my 2 cycled 10 gallon tanks and I don't with my guys in the uncycled tank. I find that if they get sick, it helps speed the process, it helps regenerate fins, and it helps to kill fin rot and other such diseases, but it's easier for me to just use it if they get sick (which, aside from the Ich incident and George having Flex when I first got him is nonexistant).
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Post by starlight on Jan 19, 2004 21:27:45 GMT -5
Is there a reason you don't use it in "uncyled" tanks?
Even if a betta is in a bowl or beanie baby container, over time beneficial bacteria builds up. Doesn't even a small unfiltered tank cycle over time?
I set up my water in a ten gallon and usually add 4 1/2 tsp salt. I use the this water in cycled tanks and BB containers. The last batch I made, I cut it back to 3 1/2 tsps.
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Post by Emerson on Jan 19, 2004 21:59:23 GMT -5
Even if a betta is in a bowl or beanie baby container, over time beneficial bacteria builds up. Doesn't even a small unfiltered tank cycle over time? Nope. A small unfiltered, unheated tank cannot be cycled. Bacteria from waste may start to grow, but without heat and aeration the environment is too unstable and will not allow a biological filter to establish itself. This results in poor water conditions. Small bowls and containers need 100% water changes weekly or as often as is necessary to keep ammonia levels in check. sef |
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Post by mickey85 on Jan 20, 2004 0:02:32 GMT -5
Yeah, even in my 2.5G tanks, since the PH is so high here (a bit over 8) I do weekly changes or my boys start to get fin rot. you gotta do water changes on uncycled tanks, but it is possible to cycle smaller tanks.
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Post by palepinkvase on Jan 21, 2004 16:12:24 GMT -5
Like BettaRic, I have been using 1/2 tsp. in my 2 gallon tanks. I do weekly water changes and I am not using filters. I really think my guys like the added salt, and I think it helped them regain their health (all of mine were WalMart rescues.)
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