Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Probiotic Salt | Trace Minerals & GH Booster for African Cichlids

Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Probiotic Salt recreates the high-mineral, high-hardness water chemistry of Africa's Rift Lakes — Tanganyika, Malawi, and Victoria — using a blend of essential trace elements with added beneficial probiotic bacteria. Dose at every water change to lock in the GH levels your mbuna, peacocks, haps, frontosa, shellies, and other African cichlids evolved in, while supporting biological filtration and gut health.

Pair it with Fritz Aquatics buffers and minerals, browse our Additives & Supplements, or shop our full Freshwater selection.

Why Choose Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Probiotic Salt

• Multi-lake formula — one product, three dose rates for Tanganyika, Malawi, and Victoria.
• Raises GH (general hardness) to the elevated levels Rift Lake species need for color, slime coat, and osmoregulation.
• Trace elements — calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and other minerals replicate the natural lakes.
• Added probiotics diversify beneficial bacteria for stronger biological filtration.
• Use alongside Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer for the complete Rift Lake chemistry package (GH + KH + pH).

Dosing — per 10 US gallons (37.85 L)

• Lake Tanganyika — 11 g (1.5 tsp) per 10 gallons → raises GH by ~9 units
• Lake Malawi — 5.5 g (¾ tsp) per 10 gallons → raises GH by ~4.5 units
• Lake Victoria — 3.6 g (½ tsp) per 10 gallons → raises GH by ~3 units

Add when refilling water during every water change. For best results, mix with RODI water. If using dechlorinated tap, test GH first and adjust your dose to match the target for your lake.

Specifications

Recommended Pairings

• Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer — the pH & KH companion for this salt.
• Fritz GH Test Kit — dose with confidence by testing GH before and after.
• Water Testing — GH/KH/pH kits for hard-water systems.
• Hikari Cichlid Gold — color-enhancing pellet for African cichlids.
• Fancy Peacock African Cichlid — see our in-stock African cichlids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this aquarium salt or marine salt?
Neither. It is a freshwater mineral blend with trace elements tuned for African Rift Lake cichlid water — not a substitute for sodium chloride "tonic salt" or saltwater reef salt.

Do I still need a buffer?
For Rift Lake cichlids, yes — the salt raises GH and minerals, while the Buffer raises KH and pH. Use both for full Rift Lake chemistry.

Will the probiotics survive in chlorinated water?
Always dechlorinate tap water before adding to the tank — chlorine and chloramine will kill the probiotic bacteria as well as your tank's biofilter.

How long does a 1.25 lb jar last?
For a 55-gallon Malawi setup with weekly 25%% water changes, roughly 18–20 weeks. Tanganyika tanks use it faster due to the higher dose rate.