Stephny691 wrote:Urgh, I'm already probably messing up measuring stuff out for the tank already. However, I've read Epsom salts being used for other fish and for other problems?
Next time I'm in my LFS I might pick some up (if they have any), I'm starting to like the idea of having treatments on hand. Can Epsom salts be used alongside other meds? Such as Melafix, Pimafix and now this Kusuri stuff? Those are the only meds I use, so if it can be used alongside those, then I'll deffo get some.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Here's some info on the various salts and the benefits in the aquarium.
Aquarium salt is non-Iodized sodium chloride. Also, not a calcium silicate. It's just a purer version of table salt really.
This is found at any aquarium supply store.
It is effective in relieving osmotic stress in fish as well as effective against protozoan and parasitic infestations in a freshwater setup.
Salt, NaCl, does not change the pH of water. It also does not change the hardness.
A few fish do not tolerate aquarium salt. Corydoras Catfish (Most catfish actually) and many live aquatic plants do not do well with salt in their water.
Corydoras and many plants can
tolerate 1 Tablespoon of Aquarium Salt per each 5 gallons of aquarium water.
But, they do poorly with 2 Tablespoons of Aquarium Salt per 5 gallons.
Salt lessens the number of pathogens in the water.
For example: very few, perhaps only one or two groups, of freshwater bacteria tolerate aquarium salt well.
My experience is that salt is slightly effective in preventing fish trouble in freshwater aquariums but only slightly.
Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate (bath salts).
This can be found at any drug store. This is the stuff we soak in when we have had a bad day

There are several uses for Epsom Salts in this hobby, mainly to treat constipation and some forms of fungus.
It is also used sometimes in buffering aquariums to raise the KH and PH along with baking soda for alkine based setups.
Epsom salts when treating illness are especially effective in dips or short baths.
It has the same effect on fish as it does people as it helps to relax the fish, loosen the muscles and ease a blockage.
Make sure though that if you use this product you buy a pure version of it free of dye's perfumes and additives.
Alot of bath salts contain extra stuff like that and although is nice when you are soaking in it, isn't so good for a fish.
Also Epsom salt has quite a sedating effect on some fish, so you need to use with caution.
It's best to treat in a hospital tank, monitoring closely for signs of stress etc.
Hope that helps

Before you start messing with your water's chemistry, you need to do a lot of reaearch so you know what you're doing.
A lot of folks on this forum will be more then willing to answer any questions.
Here's a good basic guide to modifying water chemistry:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquarium/chemistry.php
If you're not sure if you should, just ask 1st

G'Luck,
Bob