That Pond Guy, a local pond specialist, explains that while pond salt may resemble regular table salt, it serves a much more specialized purpose in maintaining fish health.
He compares proper salt use to giving fish a multivitamin that supports their biological functions, though he cautions that overdosing can create serious problems. He notes this natural treatment complements mechanical filtration systems like Evolution Aqua Pond filters.
What Exactly Is Pond Salt?
The manufacturers make pond salt specifically for aquatic use from pure, non-iodized sodium chloride. As opposed to table salt, Pond salt remains free of anti-caking agents or other additives that could potentially cause problems for fish.
There are two primary uses:
- Preventative care (low doses for general health)
- Therapeutic treatment (higher doses for specific ailments).
The Science Behind the Benefits
Strengthening Fish Defences
- Boosts slime coat production (nature’s fish armour)
- Enhances gill function for better oxygen uptake
- Restores electrolytes lost through stress.
Creating a Hostile Environment for Pests
- Disrupts parasite life cycles
- Inhibits bacterial growth
- Reduces nitrite toxicity by up to 60%.
That Pond Guy has observed salt baths successfully treat fish when medications failed, particularly against parasitic infections.
The Right Way to Use Pond Salt
Dosage Guidelines
- Maintenance: 0.1-0.3% salinity (1-3kg per 1,000 Liters)
- Treatment: 0.6% salinity for short-term baths
- Emergency: 1% salinity for 30-minute dips (with close monitoring).
Pro Tip: Always dissolve salt in pond water before adding—undissolved crystals can burn fish scales.
Application Methods
- Whole-pond treatment for widespread issues
- Quarantine tank baths for individual fish
- Gradual introduction over 48 hours to prevent shock.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overdosing Dangers
- Causes severe dehydration in fish
- Kills beneficial bacteria in filters
- Harms most aquatic plants (remove them first).
Measurement Pitfalls
- Never eyeball quantities—use precise scales
- Account for pond volume displacement from rocks/decor
- Test salinity levels weekly with a refractometer.
That Pond Guy shared a cautionary tale about a client who accidentally overdosed their pond by mixing up measurement units, requiring an emergency 80% water change to save the fish.
Salt vs. Other Treatments
Why choose salt?
- Natural alternative to harsh chemicals
- Won’t harm Evolution Aqua Pond filters’ biological media
- Cost-effective (pennies per treatment).
When to avoid it?
- Sensitive plant species present
- Goldfish-only ponds (tolerate lower salinity)
- During extreme temperature fluctuations.
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring/Fall: Ideal for preventative treatments when fish are stressed by temperature changes
- Summer: Use cautiously—evaporation concentrates existing salt
- Winter: Generally, avoid unless treating specific conditions.
Creating a Salt Management Plan
- Test baseline salinity
- Calculate precise dosage needs
- Document all treatments
- Monitor fish behaviour post-application
- Gradually reduce through partial water changes.
That Pond Guy’s Golden Rules
That Pond Guy emphasizes three golden rules for using pond salt effectively. First, he advises always testing water before any treatment. Second, he recommends quarantining new fish with salt as a cost-saving preventive measure.
Finally, he suggests erring on the side of underdosing, since additional salt can always be added if needed. For beginners, he proposes starting with a conservative 0.1% maintenance dose, which typically enhances fish coloration within weeks.
