So you are ready to waterproof your new pond or an already existing pond with a small leak. 
In your search for something to seal and waterproof it, you realize that only a few of them are labeled fish safe. What does it mean to call a coating fish safe?
First let me give you a little information about coatings in general. It is a common misconception that once a coating is cured, it is safe. Unknown to most people is the fact that there are some coatings on the market that can leach toxins into your pond even after they are cured.
Take roof coatings for instance. Yes, they do a mighty fine job of waterproofing a roof. Because of this one would think that they would do a mighty fine job of waterproofing a pond too, right? Well they will more than likely waterproof the pond, but what else will they do to the pond?
Oh, and I hate to think of what might happen if the coating had not fully cured yet and you put your fish in the pond. That might be as close to an instant disaster as you can get! But let’s step back and take a look at the whole picture for a minute.
With all of the waterproofing products on the market today that are pond related, you need to do your homework and make sure that what you use in your pond really is safe for fish. Your fish certainly cannot tell you that they feel ill and by the time you realize that something is wrong, it may very well be too late.
I had heard a horror story and was unable to verify the truth in it, but I will pass it along as a hypothetical example. I had heard that there was once a manufacturer of a preformed plastic pond liner. This manufacturer had made the mistake of using the wrong type of plastic for their product.
Because of this, the plastic leaked toxins into the water and would kill fish over a period of time. Now again, I could never validate the story, but knowing what I know about plastics, I cannot invalidate it either. But realistically, that does not matter. What does is my knowledge that you as a pond owner, have become more educated in the way you choose a product.
It is better to be safe than sorry right? A fish safe epoxy or any fish safe pond paint should be a coating that is tested to ensure that it is fish safe. Pond Armor, for instance, tests Pond Shield products to ensure it is safe for fish. It is done so that when you purchase our product, you know it will not harm your fish or plans for that matter.
That is not to say you could drink a gallon of the epoxy or any other coating. That would be foolish. But by having it tested and proven, what it does say is that in conjunction with the way the product is applied and used, that by following the instructions you can be assured that your aquatic life will not be harmed.
That is an important thing for a pond owner to know. So know the product you plan to use to waterproof your pond. Your fish will be glad you did.
