Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Limestone vs. Peagravel

Hello,

I'm days away from breaking ground on my pond - yipee! Today, my excavator stopped in and we were going over some final things. He mentioned that in his pond he was seeing some sort of reaction causing a "black" issue in his water. Not seeing it, I have no idea. He said that the guy he gets his aquatic supplies from told him that it has something to do with the limestone reacting and causing this issue.

He suggested one fix was to use pea gravel around the pond versus the "chunky" limestone. My question is, has anyone else had this happen? Does anyone recommend using pea gravel around their pond, or have you done it?

Just looking for some advice. My excavator will go either way, he just wanted to make me aware of this.

Thanks in advance,

Don't know about around a pond, but limestone tends to stay where you put it due to the sharp angles. Pea gravel flows, so it may move down hill over time.

Agree with RAH. I've used about everything you can purchase and 1-3" or 3-5" limestone has worked best for me. The Pea gravel beds silted in and the 1-3" worked great. On shorlines and erosion-prone inflow areas the 3-5" and even some 5-7" has done well.

I have not heard that but I guess it is possible if the water has the right chemical properties. I use larger gravel (quarter to half dollar size) rather than pea gravel. Another consideration is your natural alkalinity. If it is high you might want to stay away from limestone.