To Salt or Not to Salt Your Pond

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.

For the health of your pond and environment, it is important that you test pond water regularly. We recommend Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Dry-Tab Master Test Kit for Ponds to test for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

For more information about Pond Salt, click here: http://www.macarthurwatergardens.com/Additives/pondcare_pondsalt.html

Abou t The Author

Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several pond-related websites including macarthurwatergardens.com and pond-filters-online.com. He also publishes a free monthly newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over 9,000 pond owners. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive a complimentary 'New Pond Owners Guide' for joining, just visit MacArthur Water Gardens at his website.

---

Fish Health in Hot Summer Heat

Summer is over, but for many of us - the... Read More

Flowers That Beautify Your Home and Garden

To help gardeners choose flowers, various systems for rating hardiness... Read More

How To Prevent Damping Off

Damping off is the single term used to describe underground,... Read More

Using Push Reel Mowers

If you're not familiar with push reel mowers or if... Read More

Creativity with Ponds

Here's where your creative instincts kick in. This is where... Read More

Hot-Weather Fish Feeding Facts

Summertime provides the best time of the year to water... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More

Garden Room Boundaries...

The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More

Commercial and Residential Flagpoles

The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan.... Read More

A Garden Pond in Your Landscape - Want Water in Your Yard?

A Garden Pond in your Landscape - Want Water in... Read More

The Swallowtail -- A Beautiful Butterfly

Swallowtail butterflies are some of the most beautiful butterflies found... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Purple Martins

Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family.... Read More

Gardeners Gift Ideas

Plant lovers and backyard enthusiasts are special people who will... Read More

Gardening Tips for Early - Mid July

Now we are fast approaching the hottest time of the... Read More

Organic Roses in the Flower Garden

Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is... Read More

Potting Benches: Beautiful and Practical

Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden creating... Read More

Pruning the Backyard Grapevine

Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More

Lady Bugs Are Your #1 Natural Pest Control

First, this bug has many names. Some of it's names... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

Garden for Birds #3

Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank... Read More

Garden Delights For Midsummer

We have once again reached the wonderful magical time of... Read More

Moss on Lawns

Just about right now, we start to see moss on... Read More

Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a... Read More

Fall Garden Planning - Garden Plans for Next Spring and Ordering by Mail

It's August, the weather has cooled a bit here and... Read More

Mowing the Lawn

This is more of a follow up on my original... Read More

Seeding Flowers Indoors: An Inexpensive Way to a Beautiful Summer Garden

Every year you plan that THIS will be the year... Read More

A Look at Fall Flower Bulbs

Most people would think of fall as a season when... Read More

Think Vintage for Your Garden

Container gardeners take note. Tired of clay pots? Think vintage,... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know... Read More

The Sundial - Garden Ornament or Exotic Timepiece?

Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More

Feeding the Hummingbirds

Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can... Read More

Laying Out Your Landscape Part Two

Part Two in a SeriesOnce you have your landscape design... Read More

Landscape Design

Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More