cichlid water (brackish?)

Question
I recently added cichlids to my 55 gal. tank that had previously tropical fish(fresh water). Is it important to add any type of salt to the water? I've taken steps to buffer the pH up to 8, but I've gotten conflicting advice about salt. Thank you, Stevenoc83

Answer
Hi Steve,
It would be important to know which kind of chiclids you have in your tank.  Some cichlids will not do well in a PH of 8.  African cichilds are the only ones that do well in a PH of 8, and some of them do better in 7.5.  I would like you to write back to me if you can, telling me what fish you now have in your 55 gallon. I have always added 1 tespoon of aquarium salt to my tanks, but then it depends on the fish you have.
Lynda