5 replies to this topic

[Kimbo]

I was just wondering people say u need to add seachem salt to your tanks for tropheus does rock salt serve the same serivce?

[Mazimbwe]

Nope.

[anchar]

Hi Kimbo,
Firstly, you do not need to add Seachem Salt to Tropheus spp. aquariums....there are a few different brands that are suitable. Arguably, Seachem certainly seems to be the best on the market though.

Secondly, rock salt is not a substitute for "complete" rift lake salt additives. Products sold as rift lake salts contain a much wider variety of salts than rock salt (which is basically only NaCl).

HTH.

merjo

[eRiCfrontosa]

The only time I use rock salt is if I have a bacterial problem in my tank and only for that service, mind you its not that kitchen we use for cooking but non iodide rock salt. I wouldn't use it as a buffer.

[chuckmeister]

Hey Kimbo

Seachem salts are a blend of minerals that increase the hardness of your water. While I dont use alot of the salt, it does replicate the lake better than not using it. The cost is the limiting factor for me. You can use it or not.
Rock salt does nothing but increase the salinity of your water.
What I would consider important not only to tropheus but most tangs is the tang buffer. These fish require a high ph to feel most at home. While some people dont use it or recommend it, I've found that you will see a marked improvement in the fishes attitude.

[Mazimbwe]

If you are looking to save money there is a recipe, somewhere in the Forums, on the SCP for homemade buffer.

However, Tropheus may not be the fish that allow enough "room" for saving money. I personally do not use buffer or salt in my Malawi tanks but my Tangs all get Seachem Tang Buffer.