Are Rocks and Gravel Safe for A Pond?

If you have been researching different types of ponds for any length of time it’s very likely that you’ve run across a heated debate between the “rocks and gravel are cool” and the “rocks and gravel will kill us all” groups. It is a debate that can be seen raging on forums and articles across the web. 

Stream with Waterfall Drop With Ferns and Other Pond Plants

On one side you will find the group who argue that having rocks and gravel on the bottom of a pond will kill all the fish and cause poor water quality.

The other side says that rocks and gravel are fine and in fact will help house good bacteria to break down organic waste that collects on the bottom as well as create a natural aquascape.

So, who’s right? The answer is, it depends on what you are looking for.

Overhead Picture of Pond With NO Rocks in The Pond Only Exposed Liner

Liner bottom pond

Pro:

  • Easier to vacuum on a daily or weekly basis
  • Best used with a UV light in order to kill all naturally existing bacteria, both the beneficial and destructive

Con:

  • Creates an unnatural looking pond, like an outdoor aquarium
  • Any debris that falls to the bottom is not consumed by heterotrophic (beneficial) bacteria where it accumulates and needs to be addressed.
Pond With Rocks and Gravel In The Bottom of Pond

Gravel bottom pond

Pro:

  • Natural look and feel, like Mother nature built it herself
  • When balanced correctly with plants, fish, and filtration, it is very low maintenance with no vacuuming required
  • Offers large areas for beneficial bacteria to thrive

Con:

  • Like any pond, if it is left to sit without maintenance for years on end it may become too toxic for fish life
  • The build cost is higher due to the cost of rocks and gravel

From our extensive research and experience with the issue we’ve found that it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for a water feature that can provide the absolute healthiest environment for your prize Koi then perhaps a bare liner pond is exactly what you need. It will allow you to vacuum the pond on a weekly basis and have as much control over the amount of organic compounds in the pond as possible.

The smooth liner surface does not have the high surface area for bacteria colonization that gravel does, but it allows for easier vacuuming. A liner bottom pond can be thought of as an outdoor aquarium where the chemical properties of the pond can be stringently monitored and controlled to ensure that delicate fish species can be cared for to the enth degree.

Pond Renovated to Include a Walk Out Beach Entry

We have found, when built and maintained correctly, a natural ecosystem pond that includes gravel and rocks is in no way unhealthy for fish. We have many customers who have gravel and rocks in their ponds along with some great looking Koi and other fish, and the fish have been doing very well for many years.

The use of rocks and gravel in the pond creates a large surface area for heterotrophic (beneficial) bacteria to colonize. To provide this surface area, we like to use gravel that is one inch to three inches in size. This beneficial bacteria thrives by consuming decomposing organic materials which helps naturally get rid of organic waste in the pond.

Heterotrophic bacteria is an aerobic bacteria which means it requires oxygenated water. Having good water circulation throughout the pond depths, submerged oxygenating plants, or using an aerator will fulfill this need. A cleanout of the pond, detailed here, performed every year or every few years will keep the pond looking pristine with an ecosystem that’s in balance.

Another benefit to covering up the liner with rocks and gravel also helps to protect your liner from UV light degradation and extends the lifetime of the liner membrane.

Ponds require maintenance regardless of the type. So, if you have some prize fish that are extremely expensive and mean the world to you, a bare liner pond may be the best option, but you might also be putting more time and/or money into it.

A pond that has gravel and rocks instead of a bare liner, when done correctly, should look like mother nature built it herself. These ponds, ecosystem ponds, rely on the balance between plants, fish, bacteria, and filtration to stay healthy and beautiful, and it works!

Having a beautiful natural looking ecosystem pond in your backyard will create a relaxing paradise where you can unwind and enjoy the pond life.

 
July 11, 2018
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.