Question
What is the difference between aquarium salt and pond salt?  I have a Betta that has white patches on his tail and in researching found that if it is Ich I should add salt to the bowl.  I have an outdoor pond that I add Pond salt to and would like to know if this can be used in the Betta bowl.  Also, I have a large Comet goldfish in the pond that is developing lumps on her upper back.  She doesn't seem sick. What could this be?  All other goldfish and Koi in the pond are fine. I live in Nevada and the weather has cooled down.  Water temp is now in the 60's.  Thanks for any help/info you can give me.


Answer
It is probably not ICH.  Ich would more then likely appear on the body of the fish. Ich is a parasite that feeds off of blood and there is very little blood in the tail and fins of fish.  It is probably either a fungal or bacterial infection and I would treat the betta with an antibiotic such as triple sulfate and not with salt.  Salt can be added to the water but not as a cure-all but rather as a preventative.  Pond salt and aquarium salt are more then likely the same... it would depend on the brand and whether or not there are additives in the pond salt.  As for the Comet... those lumps may just be tumors... I would not treat them unless you can make an exact diagnosis.  Medication can destroy the beneficial bacterial colonies that help to keep your pond chemicals in check... Let me know if you have additional questions... dave