Do You Need Rocks in a Koi Pond?

A common discussion surrounding the construction of a koi pond is if it should include rocks. Although there seems to be a general consensus to not use them, it’s far from unanimous, as many also point out several pros of using rocks. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, would like to share some information to help you decide if you’d like rocks in your pond.

They Create a Natural Look

Aesthetic reasons are often at the core of why owners and installers decide they do want rocks in their koi ponds, and many people believe ponds look better with rocks. Rocks create a natural look, and they also hide the liner material and other unnatural elements at the bottom of the pond.

They Possibly Improve the Pond’s Health

Rocks and gravel at the bottom of a koi pond provide a way for aquatic plants to attach their roots, and they help aerobic bacteria, also known as “good” bacteria, settle and filter debris from plants and fish. Also, rocks and gravel create a waste-removal system that’s more natural than alternatives tend to be. However, many people point out that a koi pond will otherwise have enough surface area for good bacteria to positively benefit the pond’s chemical makeup, and that any of the positive effects of rocks will be counterbalanced by the fish waste that settles in these areas and never reaches the drain. If this occurs, you’d need to add fresh bacteria like Microbe-Lift or use a good-quality pond vacuum:

https://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/pondmax-pv350l-pond-vacuum?search=vacuum&category_id=0

There’s also the extreme method of removing the koi, draining the pond, and cleaning out the waste, which is a significant undertaking.

Leaves Can Get Trapped within the Rocks

Rocks often trap leaves, which gradually turn pond water into a reddish-orange tint. If you attempt to fix this by simply changing the water, the color change will return within a few days. The rocks need to be thoroughly washed to make the color change long-lasting. Also consider that sludge can build up between rocks, and sludge, like leaves, is difficult to remove. Conversely, if the bottom is free of rocks and gravel, it’s a much easier process to clean up any sludge or leaves found there. The easiest way to remove sludge is with a vacuum, and there are several high-quality pond vacuums you can choose from.

The Set-Up Costs Are More

It shouldn’t be dismissed that it costs more in the first place to place rocks and gravel at the bottom of a koi pond. If you do this yourself, it’ll add a considerable amount of labor on your part, but the costs of securing the rocks and gravel remain.

Which Rocks to Use

If you decide to use rocks, you can go one of two ways. Some say to use larger rocks and avoid gravel, as the former type is easier to clean. Others recommend gravel, saying it’s more likely to create an environment that contains bacteria that’s beneficial to the koi and the pond.

Whether you have rocks in your pond or not, you need the right pond equipment to maintain the pond properly. Aquatic Warehouse has everything you need. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, check out our website, or give us a call at 858-467-9297.