I've read all of these articles about salt. The salt bath I've got down. But, for general care and maintenance, they make it too complicated for the remedial of us who can't get past 2+2=5. It's .01% this and .07%-.09% for that and by volume. I want to get a test kit for my water, but, they're kind of expensive and I just can't afford it right now. Is there a simple formula for this? i.e., 1 teaspoon per gallon or whatever? Thanks guys!

This should help:

http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...?showtopic=8382

1 tsp. per gallon or 1 Tablespoon per 5 gallons = approx. 0.1%
2 tsp. per gallon or 2 Tablespoons per 5 gallons = approx. 0.2%
3 tsp. per gallon or 3 Tablespoons per 5 gallons = approx. 0.3%

You should really only salt if theres a problem in the tank as diseases and parasites can become immune to it.

At .1% you can use it as a stress reliever and tonic.
At .2% its good for nitrite spikes
At .3% its good for nearly all parasites and can be used for around 2 weeks.
Higher concentrations for dips, baths and fighting chilodonella.

But only use salt if you have to.

I totally agree with Sandy on this.In my opinion,too many people use salt too freely as an every day general care,and then when they actually are having problems,the salt is no longer able to help do what it was doing before because the fish are so use to it.Parasites especially,are getting more and more tougher when it comes to being up against salt,and are living through the treatments,instead of perishing. I always think that Goldfish are truly freshwater,and to only use salt in times of need. This of course,is JMO.

Yeah, you can say that again!!

I'm with them--salt ONLY if necessary.

Oh, sorry! I should've been more specific. Thanks for taking care of me guys! This is follow up care to maracyn treatment for about a week or so for my sarasa comet who got columnaris. He's definitely getting better and never lost his appetite. I want to quit the maracyn, but want to keep up the "treatment" and promote creation of slime until his skin completely returns to normal. And thank you to Daryl for the very simple and easy to follow formulas. Once again, posted right here on Koko's all along!