Pet Forum / Aquaria / Cichlids / September 2007

It can be helpful when a fish is stressed, as yours is, to add a SMALL
amount of salt to the water. On the box that your salt came in (you are
using aquarium salt, not table salt, right?) it should say how much is good
for freshwater. A Dempsey is a freshwater fish (you've had it for 4 years
and don't know?). Again, you must study and do research to know how to keep
a healthy aquarium. I suggest that you do some reading on the Jack Dempsey
species, and search the net for information on proper fish keeping. There
are books, and net forums where you can learn. Try
http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/ for one.

   Fedor

Did you add table salt or aquarium salt from the fish store?  1 teaspon per
5 gallons is alright for freshwater.  If you added table salt, you need to
do a really big water change as idodized salt is not good for any fish,
unless it's on a plate for dinner. ;)