4 replies to this topic

[Norm]

I've had a 350 gal fountain set up with lillys and mosquito fish for the last 3 summers. Last year I had a horrible time with string algae. I'm getting ready to remove the fish, empty the fountain, and pressure wash it clean. The contractor that put the fountain in used a painted on black material not knowing I was going to put plants and some fish in it. The problem is that black makes the darn thing so hard to see the fish and the bottom. Even though the water is crystal clear most of the time unless there is direct sunshine I cant see the bottom.

I am wondering if changing the color of the bottom would improve things. If I was what color should I use and what type of material or product to paint on?

TIA,

Norm

[DrDave]

Put some goldfish in it and you will be able to see them just fine with the black. It is too small for Koi.

[Norm]

I guess my major concern is not seeing the fish but any accumulated debris to make it easier to scoop out with a pool net. Most of my maintenance takes place in the late afternoon after the the sun is off the fountain. Makes it hard to see where dead plant material is and any spots that string algae is taking hold.

Norm

[DrDave]

You don't have any mornings or early afternoons to do this? Once a week works in most cases.

[oldmarine]

Norm,

My pond is black and I have mosquito fish also. I seldom see the mosquito fish, but my shubunkins are quite visible simply because of their bright colors. If you decide to go with any other colors other than black, I'm sure you will be disapointed. Once the algae starts to again, and it will, you will be scrubing the pond walls and bottum regularly. Algae growing in a black pond is more eye appealing.

Happy ponding,

Rich