"humBill" wrote in message
et...
Well I am not too surprised no one has ventured a guess about my lethargic
gouramis, particularly with no discernable other problems. So I am
wondering about doing not too invasive approach. I am considering more
30% water changes and adding 1 TBS salt/ 5 gals. I also do not have an
airstone in this tank, so thought I might add one as well.

2 questions:
1) Is this a reasonable approach or is there something else that would be
non stressful to the 'well' fish.

2) In the tank I have 3 neons, 3 lemon tetras, 2 dwarf gouramis and a
small rubber lip pleco. Is salt determental to any of these fish,
particularly the pleco?

Thanxx
Bill Brister - Austin, Texas


While you do have salt-intolerant fish, I think the concentration you are
considering is well within their comfort/safety threshold. As with any meds
or parameter changes, stage it. Add 1/2 the salt portion and then wait 24
hours before adding the rest.

Airstones are an excellent general curative as the higher O2 level (albeit
slightly) reduces their breathing effort (and is especially helpful to
bottom dwellers whose natural buoyancy makes access to the higher O2
concentration at the surface more effort). I believe the higher O2 also
improves their metabolism, beneficial when their immune system is active
against something.

In regards to water changes, I've run commercial tanks which received an 8%
water change, four times a day, 7 days a week. You can't say enough good
things about fresh water diluting nasties. Good luck.
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