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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.
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 Ordering Information - Click Here
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