Waterfall Rocks Turning Black

Joined
Apr 9, 2021
Messages
38
Reaction score
22
Country
United States
The large stones that my waterfall flows over are starting to turn black / dark brown. I don't know why. Water is clear and clean, fish and plants appear healthy, pumps and filtration working well. The pond is less than a year old.

While id doesn't look bad or unnatural, we miss the natural color and striations of the rocks.
 
Joined
Apr 9, 2021
Messages
38
Reaction score
22
Country
United States
It's biofilm. You can clean it, but it will continue to come back.
Thank you. Is there anything that can be done to minimize or prevent it? It just started this summer when the weather got hot (I'm near Las Vegas).
 
Joined
Oct 28, 2013
Messages
13,070
Reaction score
13,394
Location
Northern IL
Showcase(s):
1
The only thing you can really do is clean it once it starts. Or do like me and just accept it!

I use sodium per carbonate on my waterfall rocks once or twice a year. Cleans them up really nice and lasts a few weeks. Heat really speeds the process.
 
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
3,990
Reaction score
2,682
Location
Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania
Hardiness Zone
6a
I like it. But I like just about anything natural.
That biofilm is beneficial. It helps filter the water.

My rocks are the same, plus there's clumps of algae hanging off the bottom into the water.
The fish like to chomp on it. You can hear them smacking their lips, sucking it in.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
30,782
Messages
508,589
Members
13,042
Latest member
lucaryan

Latest Threads

Top