Questions & Answers
Should I add salt to my pond?
Salt is a very useful tool for Koi keepers. It is one of the least expensive and safest treatments for the prevention and cure of disease in fish. Because certain aquatic plants are sensitive to salt it is necessary to use a lower concentration when plants are present. Most plants can tolerate a 0.10% salt solution without problems.
Many of our members maintain a 0.30% concentration in the Fall and Spring. The 0.30% level will work as a preventative measure to prevent parasites from attacking your fish when the water temperatures are low. The salt level may be increased as high as 0.50% as a short term treatment for Parasites or Bacterial Infections. The salt level should be increased gradually over several days to allow the fish to become acclimated.
It is important to remember that Salt does not leave the pond unless water changes are performed. Refilling the pond to compensate for evaporation will not reduce the concentration of salt in the pond. The only way to tell the salt level is to test a sample of the pond water. There are very inexpensive test kits (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) available at most pond supply stores. Once you add salt to your pond there will always be a portion of that salt present.
It is very important that the salt be pure salt that is free from additives, such as Iodine, Yellow Prussiate of Soda (YPS). Morton Salt Co. has several types of salt available, their granulated PUREX salt dissolves easily and has no additives. This salt can be purchased at grain elevators in 50# bags for under $10. Do Not Use Table Salt!