How to Use Aquarium Salt for Goldfish: 3000 ppm Dosing Guide

Aquarium salt is one of the simplest tools for fancy goldfish keepers. We recommend a level of 3000 ppm, which is 3 grams of salt per liter, or about 11 grams per gallon. This guide shows how to dose it, how to measure it, and when not to use it.

What Is Aquarium Salt?

Aquarium salt is plain sodium chloride sold for fish tanks. It has no additives. It is not the same as marine salt mix, Epsom salt, or table salt with iodine or anti-caking agents. Use a pure, non-iodized aquarium salt.

Why We Recommend Salt for Fancy Goldfish

Salt helps reduce stress, which is why we suggest it for new arrivals and for long term care. Many keepers also use it when a fish is sick. See our ich guide. Salt is not a cure all, and it does not replace clean water.

Salt Dose Chart for 3000 ppm

These amounts use the full tank volume. Decor and substrate take up space, so start with a little less and check with a meter.

• 10 gallons: about 114 grams (4 oz)
• 20 gallons: about 227 grams (8 oz)
• 30 gallons: about 341 grams (12 oz)
• 40 gallons: about 454 grams (1 lb)
• 55 gallons: about 625 grams (22 oz)
• 75 gallons: about 852 grams (30 oz)

How to Add Salt Safely

1. Dissolve the salt in a bucket of tank water first. Never pour dry salt onto your fish.
2. Add the salty water slowly, in 2 or 3 steps over several hours.
3. Measure with a salinity meter. 3000 ppm is about 3 ppt, or 0.3 percent.
4. Keep strong aeration running.

Salt and Water Changes

Salt does not evaporate. When water evaporates, top off with fresh, dechlorinated water only. When you change water, add salt only for the new water you add.

Example: You change 10 gallons in a 40 gallon tank. Dissolve about 114 grams of salt in the 10 gallons of new water before you add it.

When Not to Use Salt

• Live plants. Many plants do not handle salt well.
• Shrimp and snails. They are sensitive to salt.
• Scaleless fish such as loaches and some catfish.

A bare quarantine tank is a good place to use salt. See how to set up a quarantine tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3000 ppm too much for goldfish?

It is the level we recommend for fancy goldfish from our farms. If you are new to salt, raise it slowly over a day or two and watch your fish.

Can I use table salt?

We do not suggest it. Table salt often has iodine or anti-caking agents. Use pure aquarium salt.

How do I lower the salt level?

Do water changes with fresh, dechlorinated water. Each change lowers the level a little.

Do I need a salinity meter?

Yes. A meter takes the guesswork out and keeps you from adding too much.

Shop Fancy Goldfish From San Diego

Browse our live fancy goldfish. Read our goldfish acclimation guide for what to do when your fish arrive.