In koi breeding, adding an appropriate amount of salt has multiple benefits, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. Antibacterial and Disinfection
Salt has antibacterial and disinfection properties. It can effectively inhibit pathogenic bacteria and parasites in water, reducing the risk of koi getting infected with diseases. For example, salt can change the osmotic pressure of pathogens, causing them to die or fall off, thus helping to treat diseases such as ich and fin rot.
2. Osmotic Pressure Regulation
Salt can change the osmotic pressure of water to make it close to the salinity inside the koi's body, thereby reducing the amount of water that penetrates into the koi's body through its body surface. This not only reduces the burden on the koi's kidneys but also decreases the need for urination, helping to maintain the koi's healthy state.
3. Stress Response Alleviation
When koi are stressed by environmental changes or transportation, adding an appropriate amount of salt can help alleviate their stress response and enhance their adaptability.
4. Wound Healing Promotion
When koi have congestion, abrasions, or external injuries, in a water quality environment with a suitable salinity, these wounds are more likely to heal on their own. The antibacterial effect of salt can also prevent wound infections.
5. Water Quality Purification
Salt can purify water quality, improve the cleanliness of water, and enhance the ornamental effect. At the same time, a high - salinity environment can quickly cause harmful bacteria in the water to die of dehydration, thus significantly reducing the total number of harmful bacteria.
6. Disease Treatment Assistance
When koi are sick, adding an appropriate amount of salt can assist in drug treatment, enhance the koi's immunity, reduce the damage of drugs to nitrifying bacteria, and prevent the fish from developing drug resistance.
7. Natural Environment Simulation
For marine fish or fish that require a high - salinity environment, adding salt can simulate their natural habitat environment and ensure their healthy growth.
Precautions
- Salt Concentration Control: It is generally recommended to control the salt concentration between 0.5% and 0.8%. Too high or too low a concentration may have adverse effects on koi.
- Type of Salt: Non - iodized salt or special salt for ornamental fish should be used. Avoid using table salt with additives.
In summary, adding an appropriate amount of salt in koi breeding has multiple benefits, but attention should be paid to the concentration and type of salt to ensure the health and safety of koi.