Pond Salt for Health Fish
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.