So many people would say yes, but the truth is a properly constructed Ecosystem Pond is very easy to clean and maintain. Rocks and gravel are a natural component that not only enhance the natural beauty of a pond, but equally important rocks and gravel provide 12x’s the surface area for our beneficial bacteria colonies within the pond. These beneficial bacteria colonies are a very important part of the nitrogen cycle breaking down ammonia into nitrites, then nitrites to nitrates (plant food), think balance.