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Should I Add Dye to my Water Garden?

Should I Add Dye to my Water Garden?

If you're new to the hobby, the thought of adding dye to your pond may seem like a foreign concept! Why would you want to add color to the water that you're working so hard to keep clear? Well, there are aesthetic reasons - and some practical reasons, too. Ultimately for water gardeners it is a matter of preference and we've outlined some common reasons below.

Understanding Dye

First, let's discuss the dyes themselves. Pond dye typically comes in two colors: black and blue. Black pond dye, like The Pond Guy Black Pearl Pond Shade, gives shaded ponds a rich look and turns a brown or gray water feature into a stunning pool that reflects the trees and landscape. Blue pond dye, like The Pond Guy Blue Sapphire Pond Shade, gives ponds a natural-looking blue color and looks best in features surrounded by manicured or open landscapes. You'll find these pond dyes in concentrated form. When you add the recommended amount, the coloring will diffuse throughout the pond within several hours. They're safe for people, pets, fish and water fowl.

Why Dye?

Adding dye to your decorative pond does more than give your water feature a unique and appealing look. The dye actually serves several purposes:

  • Simulate depth: Some people use dye in their ponds to make a shallow pond seem deeper. If you have a 14-inch-deep pond, adding black dye can make it seem 5 feet deep. The optical illusion creates a mirroring effect that appeals to many pond owners.
  • Fish safety: When predators fly overhead or lurk alongside the pond, a little pond dye - along with some predator control - will go a long way in protecting your fish. Koi and goldfish will dart to your pond's dark depths when a heron or raccoon threatens them. The pond dye serves a similar purpose.
  • Aesthetics: Of course, aesthetics remain an important reason why folks use dye in their ponds. A crystal blue pond or a rich reflective pond mimics what you'd find in nature. Couple that with a tranquil landscape, and you have an attractive water feature that draws oohs and ahhs!