Pond Rocks Views
By Joseph F. Cuny Reprinted with permission August 2004 KOI USA About the Author: Joseph J. Cuny - 12 yrs Civil Engineering, State of California, B.S. in Physics, University of Nevada, 4 years of Applied Physics in Aerospace, 29 yrs Sanitary Engineering, City of Los Angeles. Thank you to KOI USA and Joe Cuny for allowing us to use this very timely article Some time ago I discussed a practice that seemed to be developing on the East coast. I understand the same practice is now showing up on the West coast. This has to do with the placing of rocks, stones, and/or gravel on the bottom of a pond: it is called aesthetics because it simulates the appearance of natural streams.
Also, I believe in the truth, whatever that is, and I do not believe in shoving that truth down people's throats. I like to be reasonably sure that people have the facts (not necessarily my facts) before deciding on something. The following are, to the best of my knowledge, the major facts concerning rocks in the bottom of a pond. I am sure that some vendors have their own set of facts; whichever set you want to believe, is up to you.
Whether the pond is constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or a liner, rocks on the bottom can be bad for your koi. Note the conditional phrase t"can be badi" because that is the type of thing often ignored in engineering statements. The various conditions are ignored because people want a simple answer, not one that requires some effort to understand. Come to think of it, the same thing often happens when some koi get sick or die. Usually the owner wants a simple answer, no complications. Unfortunately, life is not simple!
How does this relate to rocks on the bottom of a pond? The rocks interfere with the flow patterns of the water and provide pockets where solid waste can accumulate. (Incidentally, the same problem occurs with a thick layer of algae.) Each of these pockets then becomes an individual sewage treatment plant. Since these rocks simulate those in the natural streams, we have to ask, why are the rocks in the pond different?
Pond Rocks Images
