Fishless cycle is done, but...

[Rue]

I wasn't trying to prove either you or me right or wrong...I selected 4 sites that had varying opinions that show the controversy regarding tonic levels of salt...

...I also suppose...that the quality of local water may play a huge factor...

We routinely test for ammonia and nitrites/nitrates...but we don't usually test for salt...

[Chrona]

I wasn't trying to prove either you or me right or wrong...I selected 4 sites that had varying opinions that show the controversy regarding tonic levels of salt...

...I also suppose...that the quality of local water may play a huge factor...

We routinely test for ammonia and nitrites/nitrates...but we don't usually test for salt...

That's because we don't need to. In nature, sodium and chloride ions generally exist in only trace amounts, except in brackish or oceanic conditions of course. The trace element content of all water used in aquariums (unless you are using pure RO water) is plenty to sustain fish given routine water changes. People hear that in water, nature contains salt, and go right on adding NaCl into the tank, not realizing that salt is a general term in chemistry involving positive and negative ions forming a non charged compound.

And the the four sites did indeed have conflicting information. But if you will notice, the only one that goes against what I said about the uses of salt is the first site, and the writer still agrees on half the stuff. The other half, he has no explanation for, and merely uses general comments to hide his lack of research as well as anecdotal evidence that even he wavers on. The article I posted, and the article from the skepticalaquarist, give a scientific explanation of the actual uses of salt. It should be fairly easy to spot the bs.

In my eyes, it's not even a debate. The other side has yet to put forth anything other than anecdotes. By saying it's a controversy, we are just merely perpetuating the myth.

[Drumachine09]

That's because we don't need to. In nature, sodium and chloride ions generally exist in only trace amounts, except in brackish or oceanic conditions of course. The trace element content of all water used in aquariums (unless you are using pure RO water) is plenty to sustain fish given routine water changes. People hear that in water, nature contains salt, and go right on adding NaCl into the tank, not realizing that salt is a general term in chemistry involving positive and negative ions forming a non charged compound.

And the the four sites did indeed have conflicting information. But if you will notice, the only one that goes against what I said about the uses of salt is the first site, and the writer still agrees on half the stuff. The other half, he has no explanation for, and merely uses general comments to hide his lack of research as well as anecdotal evidence that even he wavers on. The article I posted, and the article from the skepticalaquarist, give a scientific explanation of the actual uses of salt. It should be fairly easy to spot the bs.

In my eyes, it's not even a debate. The other side has yet to put forth anything other than anecdotes. By saying it's a controversy, we are just merely perpetuating the myth.

You should write a book. im not kidding. That or be the president.

[gm72]

Okay, then. Wow, such a variety of information. I do appreciate the discussion, this is one of those topics such as the 1 inch of fish per gallon of water "rule" (and I do use the word "rule" exceedingly lightly) that raises eyebrows and confuses new aquarists. Well, it is confusing me, too. I am more for the non-use of salt...I think.

So here is a question. I am considering doing an experiment. What if I were to get 2 20 gallon tanks. Both with mollies. One with added salt, one without. Identical filtration and water changing. Yes, I know that there are wide differences between individual fish specimens. Anyone think this would be worth it? Or maybe worthless? OR, perhaps better yet, another excuse to simply add more aquariums?

[Rue]

...it's understood that mollies do better with salt...

...but it would be an interesting experiment to carry out with the corys...given how popular they are and given the conflicting (anecdotal or otherwise) info. out there...

[Chrona]

Okay, then. Wow, such a variety of information. I do appreciate the discussion, this is one of those topics such as the 1 inch of fish per gallon of water "rule" (and I do use the word "rule" exceedingly lightly) that raises eyebrows and confuses new aquarists. Well, it is confusing me, too. I am more for the non-use of salt...I think.

So here is a question. I am considering doing an experiment. What if I were to get 2 20 gallon tanks. Both with mollies. One with added salt, one without. Identical filtration and water changing. Yes, I know that there are wide differences between individual fish specimens. Anyone think this would be worth it? Or maybe worthless? OR, perhaps better yet, another excuse to simply add more aquariums?

It is certainly possible, but you need to be very careful about keeping all other conditions the same or the results of the "test" may end up doing more harm than good. And again, my argument was against the use of salt as a general tonic for everything. In the case of mollies, they WILL do better with a slight concentration of table salt. The same cannot be said for other non-livebearer species.

[gm72]

True, true. So the question perhaps becomes, for mollies anyway, can they survive without tonic levels of salt?

[Chrona]

True, true. So the question perhaps becomes, for mollies anyway, can they survive without tonic levels of salt?

Yes, mollies can live in everything from pure freshwater to pure saltwater. Slow acclimation is key though. Just ask what conditions the mollies are in at the LFS. Mine were kept in freshwater, so they did just fine when I brought them home and dropped them in after a 30 minute acclimation.

[gm72]

Interestingly enough, I have so far lost both predominantly white dalmation mollies and two silver lyretail mollies. Other tank inhabitants appear fine, no signs of illness whatsoever. Water parameters remain rock solid. Disappointing and...well, just disappointing.