Salt

I have a 30 gallon fresh water plant tank. My LPS told me that my fish would be healthier if I added a bit of aquarium salt to the water. They suggested, that on my first 5 gallon water change I add 3 tablespoons of salt. At every other weekly change, I add 1 teaspoon. I figured they knew what they were talking about.

Since doing that I have lost many fish ( neons, my catfish, my placo, a sword, plus God knows what I haven't found yet. My plants are also doing very poorly. I just finished a 10 gallon water change with fresh water only.

Did I do something wrong or was it bad advice from my pet store ?

What are your thoughts ?

[Tangster]

In a community F/W tank I never used aquarium but un-iodized Table salt at 1 Tbls per 5 gallons keeps their slim coat good and lowers the problem with F/W ich. But aquarium salt will work as I also have used the iodized salt over the yrs also with no problems I'll always like to know where the weak link is or find that edge. Like racing a car or boat if you are out on the edge of out of control then you will never win.. But you have to know the limits.

[ReefPlayground]

you cannot and should not use salt with those species. FW bottom feeders, especially like plecos and loaches and corys do not take well to salt dosing. Besides that, you should never dose salt on a plant tank, thats asking for death. I would only recommend salt additions for livebeareres, goldfish, afrian and some central and S.A. cichlids.

also, what kind of aquarium salt did you use? Rock salt or marine salt?