I have heard that adding non iodized salt will be sort of a preventative for ick and other diseases, about one Tablespoon to 5 gallons of water, is this true? My oscars are fine just a preventative for them but my feeder tank has ick. Can this be helpful along with medication or not?

There are lots of people who are in favour of using salt, and other people who don't use it at all. I have never used salt and I don't really think it's necessary in freshwater aquariums.

If you follow some basic rules, you can help to prevent disease occuring in your aquarium. Carry out regular water changes, be very careful when adding new fish, get your fish from a reputable store, preferably one that you have been using a regular basis. Feed your fish and good quality food, try and avoid rapid temperature changes if Possible.

Obviously with all the will in the world, fish to become ill.

I do use salt in my aquarium, and I believe it does help prevent various diseases like ick.
Salt is also necessary if your keeping any freshwater puffer fish or leaffish.
Hope this helps,
Anonymous.

I would add to this by saying just as new fish can carry disease so can plants, if you use live plants that is. a weak solution of potassium permanganante will take care of anything hiding in them.

salt by itself is to enhance oxygenation. it really
helps keep the fishes healthy. but why add salt if you
can keep your aquarium in healthy conditions. as a thumb
rule, pristine water is the first approach in healthy and
desease free aquarium.

as the saying goes...."why fix things when ain't broke"

Thanks for the feedback.

basically, salt help to soften the water... and it
enhance oxygenation (dissolve oxygen in water). this
is the main reason why salt is to believe help avoid
ich.