How to Put Salt in Koi Ponds

Koi do well with small amounts of salt in the water.

Although it is a freshwater fish, koi can benefit from a very small amount of salt in pond water. That small amount, which would give the pond a salt percentage of no more than 0.1 percent, can help keep a koi healthy by increasing its mucus coat. It can also reduce bacteria and parasites in the water that would otherwise affect the fish.

Things You'll Need

• Pond salt
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Measure out 1 1/4 oz. of pond salt for every 10 gallons of water in your pond and put it in a bucket.

2. Add enough water to the bucket so the salt dissolves and you can easily pour the mixture into the pond.

3. Pour the mixture gently into the edges of the koi pond.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the pond's salt level with a water testing kit before and after any salt treatment. The levels should never exceed 0.1 percent.

• Because salt does not evaporate, you should only add salt again if you do a full water change.

References

• Aqua Articles: Pond Salt for Healthy Fish
• National Fish Pharmaceuticals: Koi Pond Water Quality