Does anyone know if the small river rocks sold by Greenleaf Products are safe to put in fish ponds? Help me ..

Question

I PUT THE ROCKS IN MY POND AND MY KOI STATED GETTING SICK, SO I HAD TO MOVE THEM BACK INTO MY LARGE TANK. I CAN'T FIND WHERE THE ROCKS COMES FROM OR WHAT THEY MIGHT BE PUTTING OFF.

Answer 1

I can only suggest you call the place where you got the fish and ask what he/she suggests to use as rock. Maybe he/she knows the Greenleaf brand or could suggest safe rock (brand).

Could it be your fish just had trouble adjusting to change?

You could also ask the garden center, where you get river rock, and ask if people use that in fish ponds.

Maybe there's info on the Internet about constructing fish ponds. You might try a search. Maybe there are fish (pond) experts and/or forums on the Net.

[EDIT] I've been researching your dilemma. I've found a number of sites that sell pond supplies, and give information about construction, but do not mention rock. There seems to be no "warnings" about rock (either); I haven't found that it's a concern.

Here's the site that gave the most useful advice. There is a lot of mention of Koi fish. It does keep saying info is available on the Net, but doesn't mention specific sites (that I noticed).

http://www.all-about-water-gardens.com/

If I find anything else, I'll let you know. :)

[EDIT] I found the following websites that only offer info on pond construction and fish care. Perhaps you have dozens of books already, but take a look at these if you want. Nowhere do they say river rock/natural stone, of any kind, are unsafe for fish. One does say to wash the stone (fish are not being added). The first site listed is particularly interesting. Half-way down, it talks about "fish in trouble" (problems).

Fish Care: http://www.creativepondandrockworks.com/fishhealth.html

Pond Stone specialists: http://aquaticconstruction.com/stone-landscaping.html

FAQ: Click on materials or fish, etc. http://aquaticconstruction.com/pond-faqs.html


I've probably done all I can for you. The public library or bookstores may have answers. Snoop in a book at a bookstore for an answer; you don't have to buy it.

Peace. And good luck.

Answer 2

I notice this Q has been unanswered for awhile. Have you contacted the company yet? Would it state on the packaging if agents were used to clean or treat the stone before packaging? Have you considered at least hosing them off before adding them,,, or anything else actually to a pond where live fish live?

You did answer your own question in effect by stating that the Koi became ill. Have you tested the pond water otherwise, for bacterias, algaes? Is the water filtered? What if any, water do you add, is it treated from the city, well, etc?

Certainly by now I hope you've removed the rocks, and treated the fish. In any event, you might try a dealer that sells rock in bulk, if you have to have anything in the pond. Bagged product shouldn't be treated, but might be?

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

I do know that rocks cause the ph to go high. I know we have to put ph down in our pond