hospital tanks with salt added

[mary proctor]

We have several hospital tanks with salt added to them.  We were concerned about leaving the filters with the charcoal in our aquarium filters recirculating the water with salt???  Would it be a problem.

 

[TCLynx]

I don't think this is a problem but perhaps some one with aquarium filter experience might chime in.

[Richard Shaw]

Normally, Activated carbon is used to remove chemicals, medications, and dyes from the aquarium and it should be removed from all filters before and during treatment. BUT...since you are using salt only and no other chemical treatments, you can leave your filter cartriges in. The Salt should be dissolved in a separate container using water from the tank before being slowly added to the aquarium. Caution: Salt does not evaporate!!! and is not affected by filtration or the use of carbon and can only be removed through water changes. To maintain a proper level in your hospital aquarium the full amount should be added only once initially. One or two tablespoons of salt per 5 gallons will aid in relieving stress as well as in treating for some parasites. if a salt only treatment is being used to destroy possible parasites, you may want to use an aquarium heater and heat the tank up to around 86°F.  The temperature must not be raised more than 1 degree per hour to avoid stressing or damaging the fish.  This high temperature will kill most parasites, and also kill S.V.C and K.H.V. viruses.  Make sure that you allow the water to cool down slowly, back to the same temperature of the AP tank before you transfer fish back into it.

Oh! IMPORTANT....Also make sure to sterilize all equipment and nets with a watered down bleach solution, that were used to transfer the fish into and out of the hospital tank.  Cross contamination can be a significant problem back into the AP system...good luck!