Guppy Care and Aquarium Salt

Guppies require very little maintenance, making them a popular pet choice. They can survive a wide range of pH, salinity, and other water conditions. They do well in a variety of tank sizes and unless they are very crowded, do not mind sharing the tank. Although guppies are very easy to care for, keeping them healthy does require some thought, and a little aquarium salt goes a long way toward that goal.

  1. Benefits of Salt

    • Although guppies are freshwater fish, they also do well in brackish water and so tolerate aquarium salt very well. Aquarium salt is used to maintain a clean, low-pathogen environment in the tank. The proper salinity in the tank can help combat fungal infection, parasitic infection and bacterial infection. It also helps guppies maintain a healthy slime layer.

    Aquarium Salt versus Table Salt

    • Both aquarium salt and table salt are essentially sodium chloride (NaCl). Aquarium salt differs from table salt in that it does not have additives such as iodine and calcium silicate, an anti-caking agent. While table salt may not necessarily harm your guppies, it is not recommended to use salt with additives in aquariums. Pure sea salt may be substituted for aquarium salt.

    Concentration

    • When changing the water in your fish tank, dissolve 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt in 5 gallons of water in a separate container. Then, add the salted water to the fish tank. Do not add the salt directly to the tank. Between water changes add plain water to the tank to maintain the water level. As the water evaporates, the salt concentration will get too high unless you top off the tank with fresh water.

    Warnings

    • Make sure you do not use too much salt, or the guppies may get dehydrated. If your guppies share a tank with other types of fish that cannot tolerate salinity, do not use salt in the water. ̷2;̷2;While salt can be beneficial, salt treatments do not take the place of appropriate medicine if your guppies become sick.