Trapdoor Snails how many & Plants in Stream

[Rach]

been reading a post and saw that Trapdoor snails are good for you pond. Looking in EBAY there are a selection for sale, how many would I need? my pond is approx 8/1/2 foot long and 6ft wide at the widest point and prob 5 ft at shortest.

I have a streem and little waterfall, should I be growing plants in the stream?

 

[Lisak1]

Good morning!

Trapdoor snails aren't "good" or "bad" for your pond - they are just another creature that may enjoy living there. They do eat algae and debris off the bottom, but honestly, not to any degree that I've ever said "wow! I should get more snails!" How many? Totally up to you. I don't know that there's any formula to that question. I bought 20 the first year we had our pond and probably still have about that many. We've found a few dead outside of the pond over the years - raccoon snack probably - and a few died right after we put them in, so we've maintained pretty much the same population. They are live breeders, but they multiply slowly.

I would be careful about your source when you buy them - make sure you're buying them from someone who knows how to handle them so you don't get a bunch of dead snails showing up in your mail. If I were you I'd find a local source. I like to be able to see what I'm buying and see how they've been living before they go in my pond. Stores that sell aquarium supplies and fish often have them - at least here in the US - and they may be willing to get them for you if they don't.

 

[Rach]

Thanks for this, I will see if Ripples have them, I was a bit uncomfortable buying off Ebay to be honest.

 

[Lisak1]

You're welcome! I came back to add - plants in the stream? Yes! They add to the bio-filtration in the pond and also help naturalize the appearance!

 

[Rach]

thanks, any suggestions? I have birds bathing in the stream everyday. They tend to bath in top little section where the water flows out of the pipe or in the middle so I could anchor some plants in the more level bit before the water drops into the pond? Or should the plants be further up? It's only a small stream about 6ft long with a slight slope

 

[Lisak1]

Can you post a picture? Easier to show than to tell!

 

[Rach]

here you go

 

[Rach]

any suggestions of plants I should have in the stream? it is a liner so would need to root in the gravel

 

[Lisak1]

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but your stream appears to be narrow and shallow. I would choose things that I can easily control or you could find yourself with a stream that's diverted by the plants. You have a well planted pond, so you know the habits of things like irises and reeds and grasses - they like to make themselves VERY comfortable and spread out. I would try some watercress in the stream - easy to grow and equally easy to yank out when it gets too big. You could also use some annuals, like impatiens as they grow big but die back at the end of the season. (I'm talking American season here - not sure what your weather is like where you are!) Even traditional floating plants like hyacinth or water lettuce can grow in a stream if you anchor them with a few rocks. Once they get started they'll stay in place as long as they have something preventing them from getting washed downstream.

 

[addy1]

That is beautiful. I fixed your pictures for you.

I have creeping Jenny in my stream. You do need to yank it now and then because it will divert the water flow.

 

[Rach]

thanks Addy and Lisa. Using the plants as filters I think it was said why you should have some in a stream, should I place some nearer the top or bottom or doesn't it matter?

 

[Lisak1]

All are good - location doesn't matter.

 

[Rach]

thank you

 

[RobAmy]

I also have forget me knots in the stream as well as some creeping Jenny. Both easy to pull out if you have to.

 

[Rach]

I also have forget me knots in the stream as well as some creeping Jenny. Both easy to pull out if you have to.

ooh nice idea thanks