Salt in the fish tank

[georgesmom]

I have been a Betta owner for three weeks now. I have tried to extensively research anything Betta related and have learned that each website will tell you something totally different than the last . Shortly after adopting my little George whom I adore I came across a site that recommended keep aquarium salt in the tank at all times.Then today i ran across sites telling me not to.For three weeks now George who started in a one gallon filtered tank has graduated to ten gallon filtered tank with a Pleco to keep down waste has lived with salt water in his tank . Should I stop using the salt or continue i do not want to hurt my little buddy and do not know what to do.Any and all suggestions would be welcomed!Please help!!

[abm]

Welcome to the world of betta obsession and welcome to HB ,

I have tried to extensively research anything Betta related and have learned that each website will tell you something totally different than the last .

Frustrating, isn't it?

There are differing opinions on aquarium salt. I used to use it (I've kept bettas for 3+ years) and while I don't currently use it, I'm not really against it. I know nothing about plecos so I can't guide you there, but when I did use the salt I did it b/c of several sources that said small amounts help the fish resist disease. I stopped b/c one of my fish had unexplained swelling, so I took all salt out of his water, and in doing THAT research found other sources that weren't as strongly behind the use of salt . So, I phased it out and haven't restarted...

I know this doesn't help you much, except possibly to reassure you that you're not alone in finding drastically conflicting information regarding betta care.

I will say that this site (Healthy Betta) does a much better job than any I've found in presenting unbiased, easy to understand and factual information, and the forum participants discuss questions in a very non-threatening way that is great . Many of our members have kept fish for many years and love to share their experiences here
I've been on some sites where I was ashamed to admit I'd kept bettas for more than a day, since they seemed to expect my knowledge level to be much higher than it was/is

Bottom line for the aquarium salt: It's a matter of opinion whether it's truly beneficial for the fish, and the most important factors for good continued betta health are clean, warm (78-80 dF) water and a stable pH around 7.0. Don't overfeed him and just enjoy his company

[georgesmom]

Thank you very much for you info I was worried that taking out his salt would hurt him

[amanichen]

Also, read this:

s94779296.onlinehome.us/website/Fish/faqs/salt.html

[georgesmom]

Thanks my husband thinks I am psychotic about George he likes him he is a truck driver and does'nt get to spend as much time with him.Is there anything else I need to know ?
I treat his water with aqua safe and test his water daily. I have heard different things on ph levels one said 2.0 and another says 7.0.Also i worried about my cats and George but George loves them he loves to tease them but I have took the proper precautions so they can't get to him but does it cause stess for him?

[amanichen]

I have heard different things on ph levels one said 2.0 and another says 7.0.

2.0 isn't survivable for any fish, it's far too acidic. 7.0 is neutral, and most freshwater fish will be comfortable in it.

Also i worried about my cats and George but George loves them he loves to tease them but I have took the proper precautions so they can't get to him but does it cause stess for him?

Your fish could care less about your cats