Anyone got any spare pond snails please?

teasel · 16-07-2006, 13:02

Hi
I've recently set up an old bath as a pond ( with stones as steps for things to get out ) and would like some pond snails to control the algae.
But I don't know where to get any. Anyone want to donate any surplus they may have? Or tell me where I might find some free ones?
I'm based in Heeley
Thanks

teasel · 17-07-2006, 12:05

Or buy some somewhere??

Bago · 17-07-2006, 17:50

I have lots of snails in my garden, but I suppose the pond types are different ?

Great reuse of a bathtub by the way !

You've just given me an idea too on my garden...
I was just this minute thinking of introducing a pond to my garden, and maybe I can grow some watercress.

Jabberwocky · 17-07-2006, 18:35

I have thousands of snails in my pond but Im just too far away. I have water lillies that are covered in their eggs too.
The best way to stop the algae is to get an old sock or the leg of a pair of tights.
Stuff it with straw, barley straw is best but any will do, knot the end, weigh it down and put it into the pond.
As the straw rots it releases a chemical that stops algae from growing.
It takes about 6 weeks to start working but it works.

Rachy · 17-07-2006, 18:37

you can buy em on ebay believe it or not i bought my giant african land snails off their and i know u can buy em cos i seen em theres some lovely coloured ones

Jabberwocky · 17-07-2006, 18:40

My fish love to eat land snail eggs and babies.
Snails in a pond WILL come naturally, god knows how, I was told that they can get into the pond in bird droppings, but I have a friend who brings me plants and on them are eggs of snails and....
Leeches...

artisan · 17-07-2006, 20:32

Go to the nearest wild pond and pull up some water plants, put them in your pond and the snails or whatever on there will grow in your pond.
Obviously choose aclean place and not a polluted midden of a place

teasel · 17-07-2006, 21:56

Thanks for the replies!
Bago - yes, I have lots of those snails too, but pond snails live in the water and are no threat to your vegetables

Ponds are a really good thing to have - they encourage newts, frogs etc - I spend ages looking in my old bathtub now.
Ebay - mmm but what else might I be tempted by?
I don't know where my nearest wild pond is - the one at Heeley City Farm has dried up but not before I "rescued" some daphnia type creatures

. While I do want the snails to control the algae, I also want them to create a balanced natural pond (so no fish) that will more or less look after itself. And I'd love to have leeches as well - some types carry their babies around with them!
Maybe I just need a bit more patience

Jabberwocky · 17-07-2006, 21:57

You WANT leeches???

Jabberwocky · 17-07-2006, 21:59

If you know anyone whose in a fishing club, then at this time of the year a lot of them go to the canals and stuff to clear out the weeds. Ask one of them to get you some plants.
Its ok because they just throw them away so its fine to get them to nick a few rootballs for your pond.

Bago · 18-07-2006, 02:02

What about a trip to the Botanical Garden ? Or Endcliffe park ? Or Millhouse Park ? I'm just trying to think whether there are ponds near there. Or somewhere where people go fishing...

I wish I knew this trick when I had goldfish ! I used to get a lot of algae in my goldfish tank at home, cos it's near the window and it grew like wildfire than if it was placed elsewhere in the room. So I bought a mudsucker to get rid of the algae... Are pond snails okay for cold water fish tanks ?

I find it hard to believe that bird droppings would give u pond snails, but then again, I found a snail on my bathroom window the other day when it's like 2 floors up from the ground ! >.< !

I think Ebay sells everything, I was just browsing and doing a bit of garden planning too. Should I or should I not get some driftwood. Heh.

Jabberwocky · 18-07-2006, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bago

What about a trip to the Botanical Garden ? Or Endcliffe park ? Or Millhouse Park ? I'm just trying to think whether there are ponds near there. Or somewhere where people go fishing...

I wish I knew this trick when I had goldfish ! I used to get a lot of algae in my goldfish tank at home, cos it's near the window and it grew like wildfire than if it was placed elsewhere in the room. So I bought a mudsucker to get rid of the algae... Are pond snails okay for cold water fish tanks ?

I find it hard to believe that bird droppings would give u pond snails, but then again, I found a snail on my bathroom window the other day when it's like 2 floors up from the ground ! >.< !

I think Ebay sells everything, I was just browsing and doing a bit of garden planning too. Should I or should I not get some driftwood. Heh.

I thought it was odd that snail eggs can be passed in bird droppings like seeds but thats what I was told and for the first year I didnt have anything in my pond, birds drank from it and.....there were snails.

alchresearch · 18-07-2006, 07:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bago

Are pond snails okay for cold water fish tanks ?

They should be, providing there are some water plants in there as well.

I used to get mine from the local ponds around Woodhouse Mill. One's definetly dried up but there should be some at Rothervale Pond or Woodhouse Washlands or Beighton Marsh (where schools do pond dipping). The only problem is that these are now designated nature reserves and taking the wildlife may be illegal.

It's probably best for all if you just buy them from a garden centre with a water garden.

cruella · 18-07-2006, 07:29

I have loads of snails in my pond. I can spare some if you want to come and collect them...PM me