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| Title: | Pond Salt for Health Fish |
| Author: | Brett Fogle |
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The important question of whether or not to add salt to your
pond is often confusing for beginners and forgotten by
experienced pond-keepers. To newbies and pro's alike we have
this to say:
"Add Salt Today to Keep the Fish Doctor Away" True, there are
some negative effects of higher salt levels on plants in the
pond, but overall we think it is absolutely the very best thing
you can add to your pond in terms of keeping your fish happy and
healthy. Salt acts as a natural 'stress coat' and essentially
thickens the slime coat on the fish's body - which is it's own
natural defense system against bacteria and parasites. Salt is
also very effective in killing bacteria and parasites in the
pond. When added in proper doses, salting your pond can
dramatically reduce the threat of disease affecting your fish.
It's just like with humans - we are always exposed to the common
cold cells in their body, but can usually resist if their immune
system is strong. Similarly, pond fish and KOI are always
exposed to some degree of parasite and bacteria presence in the
pond, but by keeping their immune system strong and their slime
coat thick, you shouldn't have any problems. Pond fish actively
maintain a natural balance of electrolytes in their body fluids.
Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium and
magnesium are removed from the water by chloride cells located
in the gills. These electrolytes are essential for the uptake of
oxygen and release of carbon dioxide and ammonium across gill
membranes. The lack of electrolytes can cause serious health
problems to the fish. Pond Salt is an all natural salt,
providing the essential electrolytes fish need to survive. Pond
Salt is not just a table salt ( sodium chloride ). It is made
from evaporated sea water. Evaporated sea water contains the
necessary electrolytes pond fish need. How Pond Salt helps
Improve Gill Function to Reduce Stress.... During periods of
disease and stress, healthy gill function is disturbed. This can
lead to the loss of electrolytes through the gills, sometimes
called osmotic shock. Osmotic shock interrupts healthy gill
function by reducing the intake of oxygen and the release of
carbon dioxide and ammonium from the fish. Pond Salt reduces the
risk of osmotic shock by supplying natural electrolytes through
the chloride cells in the gills. Nitrite Toxicity Overcrowding
and overfeeding can lead to elevated nitrite levels especially
in newly set-up ponds. The nitrite ion NO 2 enters the gills and
prevents the blood from carrying oxygen resulting in nitrite
toxicity or "methemoglobinemia". Pond Salt will temporarily
block the toxic effect of nitrite. All natural Pond Salt is safe
and non-toxic to all pond fish when used as directed. Pond Salt
can be used safely with Pond Care water conditioners, filtration
materials and fish foods. Directions for Use: 1. When used as a
general tonic for fish, and as a stress reducer, add 2 -1/2 cups
full (728g) of Pond Salt for each 100 gallons (378 L) of pond
water. Sprinkle salt evenly around the perimeter of the pond.
Avoid any contact between salt crystals and pond plants. If this
is not feasible, pre-dissolve salt first. IMPORTANT NOTE: Once
added to a pond, salt does not evaporate and is not filtered
out. Pond Salt should only be added as directed; with each water
change, or when fish have been treated with medications. 2. When
used to reduce stress in separate treatment tanks or during fish
transportation, use 4 tablespoons full (95.2g) of Pond Salt for
each 10 gallons (37.8L) of water.
About the author:
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Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
pond-related websites. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
6,000 pond owners. To sign up for the free newsletter and
receive a complimentary 'New Pond Owners Guide' for joining,
visit MacArthur
Water Gardens
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