Salt issue

[MeganL3985]

I have neons and cory's in my 20 gallon. Its not salted. But I would like to keep guppies in there too soon and I know they like salt. Do they need salt or is it just beneficial? I know this is a controversial subject with a lot of people, I just want to get a general consensus.

[Algenco]

I've kept guppies off and on for 40 years, never used salt

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Megan, there is a sticky in the Beginner forum regarding Salt, have a read through it, you will likely find it helpful. Here'sthe link
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=31554

None of the common livebearers (guppies, platies, mollies, and swordtails) need salt to thrive. What they do need is good water quality.

[robnepper]

Hey Megan. I have kept them both with and without and have not found it beneficial. Since they are able to adapt to salt, brackish or fresh, I think they are fine in any circumstance.

[nwnittany]

Megan,

I have no allegiance to either side of the 'salt war', but fwiw, I've kept and bred (maybe that's redundant) guppies for a couple of years and they've always done just fine without salt. Very happy, beautiful colors, never any sicknesses....

[Gayle]

I do not think they need the salt. I think it would only just be a hassel for you with no benefit to the fish.

[Red]

never used salt, never would.
glad to you back :)

[bushwhacker]

not needed megan

[HeatherB]

I used salt when I first got my fish. Now I have some just in case we come down with ick or something. To be used for therapeutic of course, in conjunction with medicine. I do add some, not the whole tsp or whatever. When I do a big water change, (over 75%) because I do think it kind of helps with slime coat, eases stress etc. May be just me!

[bushwhacker]

heather the only reason it helps with the slime coat is because it actually stresses the fish...salt is an irritant...... in a fresh water tank its really uneeded... if ya got ich yeah the salt and turning up the heat is the best way to cure it otherwise i'd leave it on the shelf

[Little Embers]

I agree!...and the general consensus at the moment seems to be a resounding NO!! :ssmile:

Also I don't think the Cory's would appreciate the salt very much, not many so-called scaleless fish do and it can burn them.