Salt Baths - Your Goldfish's Secret Ally

Okay, you're probably thinking what does salt have to do with you freshwater fish. Goldfish are freshwater fish and salt isn't a part of their natural environment, however their bodies do require small amounts of salt for overall good health. Salt is the oldest and most important medicine.

You must know that salt should never be combined with other medications. Only before or after medicating. Don't believe me, but a salt bath has revived goldfish on the brink of death. However you must use it with caution and only in emergency cases because it can be lethal to goldfish.

There are lots of types of salt, but the ones that use anti-caking agents and iodine will be harmful in long term use. Recommended salts are: sea salt, kosher salt, aquarium salt or pure Morton's rock salt. Natural sea salt contains no additives and it's favorited because if its high variety of minerals.

How to do salt baths

Salt baths reduce stress, repair damage done by lack of oxygen, bacteria or parasite infections, and ammonia, nitrite, nitrate poisoning. It can also restore the fish's vitality.

To start, you need a container free of contaminants where you are going to bathe your goldfish. You need to make sure the water parameters in your tank are good, and if so you can use the aquarium water to reduce some of the stress. If you're not certain your water is healthy, you can use fresh water treated to eliminate chlorine and chloramines.

Make sure this water temperature is matching the one from the main tank within 3 degrees.

Now you need to add one teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Dillute salt into 1/4 cup warm water making certain that granules have dissolved. Then mix into the prepared tank or container.

The recommended treatment time is from 1 to 3 minutes. Don't leave your goldfish alone! Keep and eye during treatment and if any signs of stress appear, you need to move your fish back into the main tank. They might also lose consciousness but revive when returned. Remember not to combine with other medications and do not overuse. Becoming familiar with the side effects of any medication, whether for goldfish or humans, is always a good idea.

Other treatments

Chlorophyll

Known as the green blood of the pants, Chlorophyll can act as medicine for goldfish. This promotes healing and it's commonly used when treating ulcers, tumors, internal and external bacteria infections, enhances general health and boosts the immune system.

You can give your goldfish a green liquid bath or administrate it orally by adding it to gel food. It can be purchased from your local health food shop and you should be looking for pure liquid chlorophyll, with no other additives.

Aloe

Aloe can be used for external and internal ailments because it contains A,B,C,E vitamins, over 20 minerals, fatty acids, salicylic tissue, heal ulcers, increase appetite and improve digestive disorders. It's natural and great in boosting overall immune system.

You can bathe your goldfish for 5-10 minutes into a container with water mixed with aloe. Use 1 tablespoon of aloe juice per 10 gallons of water. If you prepare a gel food recipe add 1 tablespoon for internal benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is known to boost immune system, detoxifies the fish's body, purify blood and prevent diseases. You can make your own garlic water by peeling a medium size bulb, cut in thin slices, place in a cup of hot tap water and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours. Mash the cloves and strain for immediate use. Refrigerate until needed(good for 2 weeks).

You can premix 1 teaspoon of garlic water in 10 gallons of tank or pond water. You can bathe your goldfish following the steps described in the above treatments. Garlic water may be given orally to battle internal infections. Use syringe or eye dropper(2 drops). give daily for 7-10 days.

Garlic is also used as an aliment. Goldfish usually love garlic.

Love to you,
Flo

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Essential Goldfish Care Guidelines

While salt baths can be beneficial for goldfish, using too much salt in cooking can be bad for your health. You may think your favorite pancake recipes are healthy, but they probably contain too much salt. You can try a low sodium pancake recipe if you are concerned about your salt intake.