Re: Rapid Fish Die Off

[George Richter <richter@erols.com>]

Chuck, sometimes I feel like an idiot on this list because some of these
folks know more than I even dreamed but rather than always lurk, I
sometimes really make a fool of myself like now  -   White feces are
almost always a bad sign.  This is old stuff but what I do is add a
teaspoon of salt for each gallon of water three times over a 10 to 24
hour period. In the end, three teaspoons per gallon.  I use marine salt
but folks tell me that other types of salt work just as well.  I am sure
someone will point out which ones.  I know the time frame sounds a bit
inexact but it has to do with my availability, how bad the fish appear
to be, and how they react to the treatment.  This is the only treatment
(other than raising the water temp and doing water changes) that I ever
use.  It works on a tremendous number of maladies and doesn't hurt most
plants.  I actually use it on new fish in the quarantine process if they
look suspect at all.  I imagine that some Apistos could be sensetive and
not hold-up well to this treatment but I have found them to hold up well
under it.  Most recently - a pair of Pelvicachromis taeniatus "Dehane"
got this teatment because the male was off his feed and not up to snuff
when I bought him.  Worked quite well I think.  He's fine and hungry a
month later.  Do others routinely use salt in their tanks?