Do Fish Drink? Osmoregulation in Fish

[Carlrs]

FROM:

https://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2006/12/how-do-fish-drink.html

Necessary Minerals

Here are a few necessary TRACE elements/minerals (electrolytes) and their function.

• Calcium (Actually needed in more than trace amounts): Calcium helps to transport ions (electrically charged particles) across the membrane, is essential for muscle contraction, calcium assists in maintaining all cells and connective tissues in the body, and much more.
  
  With many fish, long term lack of calcium can result in the inability of the fish to properly balance and swim correctly due to poor muscle contraction ability or swim bladder issues. These symptoms can mimic diseases such as Whirling Disease when in fact there is no actual disease. Unfortunately, sometimes when a fish gets to this point, correcting Calcium and other essential mineral levels is too little, too late.
  
  Please read for more about Calcium:
  Use of RO, DI Softwater in Aquariums
  Aquarium Chemistry; Calcium
  
  For a professionally proven method to maintain calcium and essential mineral Cations in ALL freshewater fish:
  AAP Wonder Shells; Fresh, NOT Clearance Stock as sold elsewhere by discounters/Amazon


• Sodium (Actually needed in more than trace amounts which is why water from home water softeners should NOT be used): Regulates extra-cellular electrolyte, essential for the transport of nutrients across the cell membranes.


• Potassium: Regulates intracellular osmotic pressure, cell membrane potential, and salt excretion.


• Phosphorus: Energy metabolism.


• Molybdenum: Important for proper skeletal growth (very important in reef aquariums for hard coral growth).


• Manganese: Aids enzymes involved in metabolism, growth and maintenance of bone and cartilage.


• Iron: Oxygen transport in blood and muscle tissue.


• Magnesium: As stated previously, magnesium plays a role in the activity of more than 325 enzymes and aids in the proper assimilation of Calcium.


• Sulfates: Also as stated above, improve nutrient absorption and toxin elimination.


• Chromium: Important for proper utilization of sugars.


• Cobalt: Necessary for Folic Acid synthesis.


• Copper (very trace amounts): Co-enzyme for energy metabolism, aids in the protection of the myelin sheath around the nerves, important for iron absorption and utilization.