What is a common treatment for nitrite toxicity in fish?

Adding salt to the water is a common treatment for nitrite toxicity in fish because it helps to reduce the toxic effects of nitrites by promoting the excretion of nitrite through the gills. Sodium chloride (common salt) competes with nitrite for uptake by fish, which can alleviate the physiological stress that nitrite imposes on the fish's respiratory system. This treatment also aids in maintaining the osmotic balance within the fish, assisting in their overall recovery. Additionally, salt can increase gill mucus production, which offers further protection against irritation caused by nitrite levels.

While increasing aeration and performing water changes can also benefit the overall health of the aquarium by improving oxygen levels and reducing toxins, they may not specifically address the direct impacts of nitrite toxicity as effectively as adding salt. Lowering the temperature can be counterproductive, as many fish species are already stressed by high levels of nitrite, and decreasing temperature could further exacerbate their condition.