Next time your fish is sick, the remedy might not be farther away than your kitchen table. Ordinary salt is a useful remedy for the prevention and treatment of several freshwater fish diseases. It assists in the healing of injuries, promotes the formation of slime coating, improves gill function, reduces the uptake of nitrate, and is effective against some parasites. Before you go overboard using salt, be aware that some of the same benefits can be achieved by using a stress coat product. Furthermore, some plants and species fish cannot tolerate salt, so it must be used with care. In other words, salt is a double-edged sword. When to Use Salt Nitrite Poisoning: The addition of a one-half ounce of salt per gallon of water is beneficial in the prevention of nitrate poisoning in a newly set up tank. Keep in mind that scaleless fish cannot tolerate much if any, salt. Parasites: Many parasites can be effectively treated with the use of salt, particularly Costia infestations. When Not to Use Salt Live plants: If you live plants in your aquarium, avoid using salt. Plants can be damaged with a relatively low dosage of salt, which is one reason it's best to treat sick fish in a hospital tank rather than your regular tank. Scaleless fish: Scaleless fish, particularly Corydoras, are very sensitive to salt. Even a small amount could harm them. Tetras are also somewhat sensitive to salt. Contrary to popular view, it is not advisable to add salt to your aquarium on an ongoing basis unless the fish require brackish water conditions. Type and Quantity of Salt Common table salt is suitable; however, it should be non-iodized and contain no additives. Rock or Kosher salt are excellent choices, as they are straight sodium chloride with nothing else added. The quantity will depend on how and what it is used for. A dip is a short exposure that is useful for the eradication of parasites. For dips, a 3% solution is generally used for up to a half hour. Baths are essentially treating the entire tank, and are useful for the treatment of stress, nitrite poisoning, as well as some parasites. Salt concentrations for a bath are lower, 1% or less, and are used for up to three weeks. Performing a Dip When treating parasites, a dip is the method of choice. Place four teaspoons of salt in a clean bucket, then slowly add one gallon of water from the aquarium, swirling it to dissolve the salt. Once the salt is completely dissolved, place the fish in the bucket for five to thirty minutes. Observe the fish closely, and if any signs of distress are observed, return the fish to the original aquarium immediately. Performing a Bath A bath is ideal when treating an entire tank for prevention of nitrite poisoning, or for reduction of stress. For stress treatment, measure out one teaspoon of salt for each gallon of water in the tank. Using a small container, dissolve the salt in a small quantity of water taken from the tank. Once it is completely dissolved, slowly add the solution to the to the tank. For treatment and prevention of nitrite poisoning, measure out three teaspoons of salt for each gallon of water in the tank. Using a small container, dissolve the salt in a small quantity of water taken from the tank. Once it is completely dissolved, slowly add the solution to the tank. When using bath treatments, weekly water changes of 25% should begin one week after initial treatment. Do not add additional salt once bath treatments have begun. Read the full article

Enjoy some facts about betta fish Betta fish are members of the Anabantoid family (gouramis are also in this family), also called labyrinthian fish. They have a back-up breathing system that allows them to breathe surface air; however, they still require a filtration system in their tanks. Female betta fish are typically smaller than male betta fish. They usually lack the long finnage that males possess. However, they can still be equally as beautiful in their own way—–and feisty! Don't keep them together though, as females still tend to be as aggressive as the males. Bubble nests (foamy bubbles on the surface of the water) mean that they are getting ready to spawn. It does not automatically mean that they are happy or healthy. If a male likes a female, he flares his gills, twists his body, and spreads his fins. If a female likes a male, she wriggles back and front. "Betta" is actually a genus of fish. The typical betta found at pet stores is the Betta splendens species. There are actually many more species mainly found in the wild, and they can look like a totally different type of fish! If you want a more technical detail on Betta fish, you can visit Betta Fish Page. Part 7: Have Fun Read the full article

Have fun with your new friend Betta fish come to recognize their owners. They will actually learn faces and even simple games. Keep your betta company and say "hi" once in a while, so he learns who you are! Betta fish are very curious and often develop a strong bond with their caretaker. They can "beg" for food by swimming up and down in the front of the tank when you come near. Play with your betta fish Betta fish are enjoyable to watch and spend time with. You can play with your fish by moving your finger back and forth along the tank edge (never bang the tank or poke the water). Watch your betta follow you. And above all, don't forget to name your fish! Never tap the glass of the tank. This action easily agitates the fish and can cause the fish to go into shock. To interact through movement, simply slowly rest your finger on the glass and slide it along to see if your betta will follow it. If he/she backs away and seems frightened, then stop immediately. You can eventually try again once you the betta is more accustomed and less afraid of you. Avoid having a mirror as a permanent fixture in the tank, as it will make your betta believe there is another betta constantly in their territory and can cause stress. Using a mirror in moderation (once in a while for less than five minutes), however, can help a constipated betta defecate. Tank walls can sometimes be naturally mirrored as well, so consider purchasing underwater "wallpaper" to cover this up. Read the full article