POND QUESTION ASAP BEFORE HE DOES IT

[Hellman]

Question is a buddy of mine has a pond and he doesn't know if food coloring is safe to put in a pond to change the color if it will hurt the fish. i know nothing about ponds and he just put it up a week ago

 

[studd muffin]

I dont think food coloring would harm the fish, but that idea is plain

 

[Exodon Man]

NOOOO! don't do that!! chemicals in certain colors of food coloring can cause liver damage in small animals (hence why they tell you not to dye humingbird food). This is just not a good idea.
The problem he's having is probably single-cell algea, which is what turns water in new ponds and tanks green. If he just lets the pond cycle and filter, it should clear up on its own. If not, there are algicides available that are safe for pondfish.

 

[thatfrontguy]

Why does he want to change the color, what is he trying to do? The only thing i know that will change the color and has a purpose is a product by jungle called pond fizz tabs water shade. This gives the water a blue tint and protects plants and fish from uv light. I have never used this product before, but keep seeing it for sale.

 

[Nass]

There are various products on the market that change the colour of the water as an algae cure ie to prevent sunlight penetrating. Maybe he's trying to mimic that on the cheap. Generally a bad idea to throw stuff in the water though, it's a closed system so getting it back out is hard