Not All Brands of Kosher Salt Are Safe!!!

[SeaWitch]

I ran out of my aquarium salt last night, so I thought I would use some kosher salt that I have in the cabinet.  I got it out and actually measured out how many tsps I needed before I thought, "I guess I better check the ingredients."  Sure enough, the brand that I have, which is Morton's Coarse Kosher Salt contains Yellow Prussiate of Soda!!!   For those that do not know, this is an anti-caking agent that is added to some salts and is deadly to our fish!
I am so thankful that I read the ingredients before dissolving it and putting it in the tank!  Please read the ingredients of ALL salts that are not specifically made for the aquarium before using them! 

[Kintaro]

Good catch Nickie.  I only use aquarium salt just to be sure.  I buy the big 64oz API one for about 5 bucks from thatfishplace.

[SeaWitch]

Yeah, I am going to Wal-mart tonite to get some more aquarium salt!  I don't think I will ever use anything but aquarium salt, either!!!

[Lolafish]

Guess what?  I've been using Morton's Kosher salt for months in my tanks for different issues, and my fish have not had any bad reactions to it.  I just checked the ingredients, and it DOES have that agent!  What is the anti-caking agent supposed to do to our fish?

[SeaWitch]

  What is the anti-caking agent supposed to do to our fish?

I'm not sure, but I have always heard it can be fatal.

[Lolafish]

Concerns are also being raised about the use of water softener salt to treat fish. Although it does not contain iodine, this kind of salt often contains anti-caking agents that prevent the salt from sticking and clumping together once it is exposed to humidity. One common anti-caking agent is yellow prussiate of soda (sodium ferrocyanide) When yellow prussiate of soda is exposed to sunlight, it generates hydrogen cyanide, which is considered highly toxic to fish. Having said this, I must add that many hobbyists have used water softener salt containing yellow prussiate of soda without causing ill effect to their fish. Just the same, it would be more prudent to use other forms of salt if they are at all available.

www.aquarticles.com/articles/ponds/Kebus_Salt_Treatments.html

Since my tanks are virtually in the dark with the exception of their light bulbs, maybe the sunlight issue is not as dire as previously thought?

[SeaWitch]

That is very interesting!  Thanks!!!  However, my tank that I was going to put it in is right in front of a window, so that prolly would not be a good thing!   Thanks for this info!!!

[Kintaro]

Always make sure that it is a minimum of 99.97% NaCl that you are using and has no trace minerals added.  Avoid any salt that contains yellow prussiate of soda or anti caking agents.  Avoid salts with iodine also as any amount however small will kill the beneficial bacterias and large amounts will burn your goldie's gills. 

Seriously I wouldn't even bother checking the ingredients on human salts.  I just buy the big 65oz API Aquarium Salt for about 5 bucks and it lasts a good long time.

[goldfishlove]

You should really only use aquarium salt to be on the safe side. They are different and to the best of my knowledge ALL salt for humans is really not safe for fish...
Glad you caught that Nickie, what a catastrophe that would've been!

[SeaWitch]

I would have been SICK if I had hurt them with that salt!!!  Thanks!