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That is good advise Paladin gave for the typical 3000- 5000 gallon pond with a full load of fish going through a new cycle. No arguing the logic of salt application for nitrate poisoning protection.
But your experience will most likely be different. As your fish tip the scale and ambient ammonia is measured for the first time ( remember ALL ponds have some ammonia present if there are fish in the water, the trick is to make the ambient ammonia level so low that it won't register on a color test kit) you will already have second stage nitrifiers in place for nitrite management. Basically, your established , but low count, nirification film will increase carrying capacity as the fish grow.
The only way this won't work for you is if you do go out and buy several new adult fish. In that scenario you will likely trigger a problem as your carrying capacity can not adjust that quickly to that much additional nutrient.
And if you were to reach and overcome the dilution factor based on your volume/ biomass ratio, then creating an 'open' system like the Japanese do at harvest time ,until their filters come on line and they can move to a more closed system, should work equally as well for you.
Personally , I favor a 'outrageous ammonia assault' on a new pond with high ammonia for a brief time and then 'merlot' red readings on the nitrite kit before adding the koi. That way my nitrifiers are really dying back and not expanding from day 21 onward. But in your case, with your volume and excellent stocking discipline I suspect you will be fine. You're Just coming at equilibrium from the opposite end of the spectrum from what I described . JR
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