Should I Use Gravel in my Pond?

There are many different view points about putting gravel or no gravel in a pond. Here is Jeff’s perspective on this topic. Jeff is the owner and pond expert for Minnesota Waterscapes.

Q: Should I use gravel in my pond?

A: Adding 1.5 – 3 inches of gravel to the bottom of a pond provides several things.

Gravel adds some cleaning time in spring but not significant, especially for smaller ponds.
Gravel protects the liner from UV rays (algae can also do this) making the liner last almost indefinitely.
Gravel is a personal preference. Jeff feels like it looks more natural and makes the pond more like a koi’s home .
Gravel can help reduce risk of fish loss if the power goes out for extended times by providing a home to beneficial bacteria. The bacteria continue to convert fish waste into non-poisonous nitrates and nitrogen gas instead of toxic ammonia and nitrites. (Granted, you should get a small aerator running for your fish as soon as possible if the regular pump cannot be turned back on but for a short-term stint, a healthy colony of bacteria can fill in that power outage gap by being the natural filter!)
Most importantly, having gravel provides beneficial bacterial “growing spaces”. Bacteria naturally breaks down bad nutrition (nitrites and ammonia) into nitrogen gas which is expelled and into nitrates which plants can eat. Bacteria will give you healthier water. When there is enough bacteria, the pond becomes more self-sustaining and easier to maintain.

Minnesota Waterscapes helps maintain ponds with gravel or without gravel even though all our personal ponds do have gravel bottoms.

Controlling Algae:

Check for a leak- the #1 cause of algae.
Decrease fish food and rain/water run-off into the pond. Both bring excess nutrients into the water.
Increase your filter size so you have plenty of bacteria growing space.
Add an automatic dosing system to keep the beneficial bacteria plentiful!