coverting from salt to no salt

[whyowhy116]

OK, so I want to make the transition from being a salt user, to being a non-salt user. thumbs2: I've used salt becuase its what I knew...what my ex did, etc. but after lots of reading, I'm not convinced its necessary and would like to try to maintain without. I have a 55 gal community tank and a goldfish tank. Both are maintained the same way and are stocked at the present time. Currently, when I do a 50% water change I add about 4 tbsp of salt, and Start Right ( a cholorine and chloramine remover - "water conditioner").

Here's my question - starting with my next water change, what do I need to do to eliminate my salt habit? Please walk me thru this. :help: I've had tanks for years, but never had to handle the maintaince and could use some assistance! Also, I'm not a big "chemical" person and I don't want to be a slave to all the stuff that is on the LFS shelves. There has to be a reasonable way to maintain without heavy chemical use. Please let me know if there is any other info I can provide. Thanks for any and all assistance!

[Red]

I would lower the salinity down slower, as in adding 3 tbsp next water change, then 2tbsp etc. This will lower it down at a safe level for the fish.

[Gayle]

Well, you do not want to do it too fast, that may shock the fish. IMO

I think what I would do is drop it down slowly. So when you do a 50% w/c do you do it every week? Every few days? Every month??

[whyowhy116]

I've been doing w/c's once a month on the 55/g. Just did one last week... On the 20 gal goldfish I do w/c every other week.

[Rue]

I wouldn't worry - the recommended salt levels are very low as is. Regular water changes will dilute the exisiting salt concentration over time in a gradual manner.

I'd only be concerned if your tank was overstocked - then there might be more a water quality difference to the fish (since the change per fish might be more dramatic).

[Gayle]

I would probably cut the salt in half the first w/c in the 55g, then none in the next one, then just go on as normal, unless you want to do a few extra w/cs to get the rest of the salt out quicker.

On the 20g I would cut it down one tbsp each change.