Questions about Cichlid Lake Salt & Use w/Goldfish Aquarium

[Lily]

Hi--

I'm confused about how to use Seachem Cichlid Lake Salt. I have a 60-gallon tank which houses two large goldfish. 

(I accidentally ordered Cichlid Lake Salt instead of Seachem Malawi Buffer, but found out that it is an acceptable substitute.)

Every 2-3 weeks I do a 25% water change. When I do the water changes, typically I add a small amount aquarium salt (API); perhaps between 3 - 5 Tablespoons.

I'm noticing on the Cichlid Lake Salt bottle the mention of "DI" and "RO" water. What does that mean?

I do not know what dosage I should use. Also, I'm wondering if there's any cause for concern b/c the tank already contains sea salt.

By the way, for filtration I'm using a Fluval 70, Hydro-Sponge IV, and one bubbler. Also using Wonder Shells. 

Thank you,
Nancy

[devonjohnsgard]

Since the Cichlid lake salt has salt, I would stop adding salt and reply on the salt (sodium) from the lake salt. Your right thinking they are close substitutes of each other. The Sodium is the difference. So, you'll have to account for it.

DI and RO is water that's gone through a machine that strips minerals and allows you to recreate your own water based on need.
I would also use just fractions of the wonder shell as a back, but you don't need a full dose when using the salts.

[Carl]

Hi Nanc.
The AAP/SeaChem Cichlid Salt is not quite a substitute, rather it is an ionically balanced mineralizer with both GH minerals and additional salt that is designed to replicate the environment

Since it contains salt, you would use it exactly as you would salt; ONLY when water changed and as per the volume of water.

If you also have Malawi Buffer, this can be used in between water changes as needed to maintain the KH desired (along with a Wonder Shell for GH maintenance/mineral Cations)

I would start with 1/2 teaspoon pr 10 gallons of water

RO stands for Reverse Osmosis water and DI stands for DE-ionized water; both popular with advanced aquarium keepers, especially advannced reef and planted aquarium keepers
Further information as to this subject:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2016/01/use-of-ro-di-softwater-in-aquariums.html

Carl

[Lily]

Great; thanks so much.

[Lily]

Is it OK to have a Wonder Shell (medicated or non) in the tank while using the Cichlid Salt??? Thank you in advance.

[devonjohnsgard]

I would actually (and do in tanks I use cichlid salt). But like 1/4-1/2 dose, since the cichlid salt has the same minerals. The reason is because your dosing your salts on water change and the idea behind the GH minerals is to have a daily/or constant dose (like a constant water change, or water running over rocks in the river), because there electromagnetic. This electromagnetic is constantly being warn, so best is to make sure it's not completely warn out. You will need to find a good balance to not have GH jump to high, which is the point of the 1/4-1/2 dose.