Pea Gravel in Raised Pond: Cleaning Nightmare, Bacteria Trap, Pump Killer

Adding pea gravel to a 1,400L raised pond with Hozelock EasyClear 3000 — don't do it. Gravel creates anaerobic zones, clogs pumps, prevents vacuuming, and harbors pathogens.

Why Gravel Fails

• Impossible to clean: Waste settles between stones — vacuum can't reach.
• Anaerobic pockets: Produce hydrogen sulfide, toxic to fish.
• Pump destruction: Gravel enters impeller → shreds ceramic shaft.
• False security: "Biological surface area" is negated by dead zones.

Better Substrate Options

• Bare liner: Easiest to vacuum, inspect, clean.
• Large river rock (2–4"): If aesthetics demand — but only single layer, sparse.
• Plant pots only: Contain soil, no loose substrate.

Hozelock EasyClear Specifics

• All-in-one: pump, UV, filter in one unit.
• Gravel will clog its intake sponge instantly.
• Clean sponge weekly — gravel makes this daily.

Maintenance Reality

6 goldfish in 1,400L (370 gal) is lightly stocked — good. Keep it that way. Bare bottom, weekly sponge rinse, annual full clean. Gravel adds 10× work for 0 benefit.

Your filter is designed for bare liner. Don't fight the design.