"The Madd Hatter" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'll admit that a lot of people add it just cuz its "folklore", but it
does
have scientific merit. It is known that the slimecoat on a fish body is
its
primary barrier to a lot of outside infections or parasites. It is also
known that salt is an irritant that causes the fish to automatically
excrete
more slimecoating. This is the reasoning behind the practice.. Its more of
a
preventative measure then a cure, once an infection occurs.

You're right, Madd. My statement was too broad. It just seems like many
people, fish stores included, push things like salt and "general tonic"
medications as necessary for successful fish keeping. Or they tell people
that adding salt mimics the water of the Rift Lakes-not really much NaCl in
them. I haven't noticed any difference since I quit using salt, but I now
keep many fewer tanks and have a much lower number of fish coming through
my
tanks. In general I think aquarists, especially beginners, fool around too
much with water chem, add to many things to
their tanks. Also, some meds are hazardous when combined with salt.
"Sarotherodon" wrote in message