Topic: New American cichlid set up.

[Stormbringer]

if any untreated water got into the filter it could have caused some bacteria die off , how long has tank been set up ?

[Dale]

tank been set up since September. All I can think is that maybe mixing the salt with the "just" treated water caused some sort of reaction while the dechlorinate was still working, then adding it to the tank maybe caused a mini spike? It's just a theory because I can't think of anything else.   

[Stormbringer]

it could be , ive never added salt to just dechlorinated water so i dont know if it would affect it or not

[Dale]

Just seems a bit of a coincidence because it's the only thing I did differently.
Fish seem fine so I'll wait and see If it clears in the next couple of days. Thanks for your help mate.
   Oh that reminds me while we're talking about salt. Does pure salt i.e, from the super market, that contains no anti caking agent, do exactly the same job as the Aquarium salt I'm using, and would I add the same dosage?
Thanks again storm. 

[Stormbringer]

so long as theres no additives in it yes

[Dale]

Thanks bud. 

[callen]

Why are you adding salt?  Is there a problem with the fish?

[Gerry]

Salt does not dechlorinate tap water, so if you didn't add conditioner then you have killed off your bacteria I'm afraid.

Salt should only be used when required to treat fish for illness or stress.

You will need to keep an eye on your water reading next few days to make sure you still have some sort of cycle left.

[mrbigfish]

A few years ago I was using rift lake salt in my African tank, was supposed to buffer water. It clouded the water occasionally and was a waste of $$$$$$$$$

[Dale]

when I say salt I mean that "aqualibrium" stuff. I've always used it in all my previous set ups in minimal doses as a buffer, stress help, and disease prevention. and it's good stuff. You just replace what you take out.
It's just that this time round I added it to the conditioned water before adding to the tank which I've never done before.
Like I said it's just a theory.
Just checked the water and its still as normal.
PH 6.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10-15
Fish are fine. I'm thinking It has to be some sort of "dust" From something in there. Either the Bog wood, Stuff trapped in the roots of the Lily ( all though I fully washed this, and cropped them short)
Or I was a bit too vigorous when vacuuming the gravel/sand.
It's a mystery.   
 

[mrbigfish]

So prior to this incident you disolved salt in takn water and aded it after re-filling tank?

[Stormbringer]

maybe there has been a reaction to the salts ?
is it any clearer today ?

[Dale]

So prior to this incident you disolved salt in takn water and aded it after re-filling tank?

That's right. I've always done it that way, but for some reason did it differently this time round.
   But since I last posted earlier I've spent some time just sitting and watching, and am more convinced that it's coming from one particular piece of bog wood which seems to be quite crumbly. I'll get rid of it and see if the water clears.
It's a pain in the arse. just when I got it looking how I wanted it!
Thanks chaps.

[Gerry]

Many African cichlid guys used to add salt as a buffer but American cichlids don't need it (And nor do Africans IMO).

It is thought now that long term use can cause kidney damage in fish

[Dale]

Really? Does anyone know of the "aqualibrium" that I'm speaking of?
If not I will post what it says on the box and it's uses to give you an idea. I just use it as a general tonic but if you need more info let me know.