Rocks and gravel in an ecosystem pond should be cleaned by removing accumulated debris and gently rinsing the surfaces while preserving beneficial bacteria.
Cleaning rocks and gravel during a pond cleanout
- Turn off the pond pump and begin draining the pond.
- Temporarily relocate fish to a shaded, aerated container filled with existing pond water.
- Remove leaves, sludge, and other debris from the rocks and gravel.
- Rinse the rocks with a garden hose or pressure washer, avoiding excessive scrubbing.
- Flush debris from the gravel, working from the upper ledges toward the pond bottom.
- Pump out dirty water until the pond is reasonably clean.
- Refill the pond and treat tap water with Aquascape Pond Detoxifier according to the label instructions.
- Restart the filtration system and properly acclimate fish before returning them.
Maintaining clean rocks and gravel
- Remove leaves and debris regularly.
- Maintain proper circulation and filtration.
- Use Aquascape Clean for Ponds as directed to help break down organic waste.
- Never use soap, household detergents, or unapproved cleaning chemicals.
Important: A thin layer of algae and beneficial bacteria on pond rocks is normal. Avoid completely stripping these surfaces during cleaning.