epsom salts and plants

[sainthogan]

Is it ok to use epsom salts in a planted tank? My new guy is still struggling with a swim bladder issue and I've decided to try putting epsom salts directly in his tank (dissolved of course). It's actually not officially planted yet, it just has a plant bulb that hasn't sprouted yet. Is this ok? Or should I take the plant bulb out and put in something else for a while?

[pittipuppylove]

Dunno if it goes for all salts, but increasing the salinity of the water is typically bad for plants. If I remember my plant biology correctly, excess salt can cause the plant cells to swell and burst, killing the plant. I'd probably remove the bulb or move the fish to a seperate tank for treatment.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Myates]

Epsom salt is gentle enough that it won't harm the plants at all - they can live in the Epsom salt indefinitely.