Ramshorn Snail | Planorbis corneus

Your pond snails are shipped in a pot with damp newspaper to keep them moist during transit. Follow these steps to safely introduce them to your pond:

1. Unpack Carefully – Open the packaging gently to avoid damaging the snails.
2. Check for Movement – Add a little pond water to the pot; within a few minutes, the snails should begin to move.
3. Release into the Pond – Gently place the snails into shallow water. They will settle naturally and start grazing on algae.
4. Floating Snails? – If any snails float and do not move, they have unfortunately not survived the journey. Please email us a photo if any have died in transit, and we’ll be happy to assist.

What Do Snails Do in a Pond?

Snails play an important role in keeping your pond healthy. They help control algae by grazing on its growth, break down decaying plant matter, and contribute to overall water clarity. By feeding on excess nutrients, they help maintain a balanced ecosystem, making them a valuable addition to a wildlife pond.

Are Pond Snails Good for My Pond?

Yes! Pond snails act as natural cleaners, consuming algae, uneaten fish food, and organic debris. They contribute to better water quality and help maintain a balanced ecosystem.

What’s the Difference Between Ramshorn and Trapdoor Snails?

Ramshorn and Trapdoor snails both help keep ponds clean but have some key differences:

• Ramshorn Snails have flat, spiral shells resembling a ram’s horn. They tend to stay on plants, pond walls, and surfaces, feeding on algae and biofilm. They reproduce quickly.
• Trapdoor Snails have rounded, cone-shaped shells with a small operculum ("trapdoor") for protection. They prefer the bottom of the pond, feeding on detritus and algae in the substrate. They reproduce more slowly.

Both are great for ponds, but Trapdoor snails are better if you want to avoid overpopulation.

Can I Add Snails to a New Pond?

If your pond is brand new, it’s best to wait before adding snails. They rely on algae and biofilm as their main food source, which takes time to develop in a newly filled pond. If introduced too early, they may struggle to find enough food and could starve. Ideally, add snails once your pond is well-established with natural algae growth.

Will Snails Eat My Pond Plants?

Most pond snails prefer algae and decaying plant matter over healthy plants. However, if food is scarce, some species may nibble on soft aquatic plants. If this happens, you can add blanched lettuce leaves to your pond—snails love them and will leave your plants alone.

What Eats Pond Snails in the UK?

Many pond creatures help control snail populations naturally. In the UK, frogs, toads, newts, ducks, and certain fish like loaches and goldfish all eat pond snails. A balanced ecosystem with natural predators prevents snails from becoming too abundant.

How Do Snails Reproduce, and Will They Overpopulate My Pond?

• Ramshorn Snails lay clusters of eggs on plants and surfaces and reproduce quickly.
• Trapdoor Snails give birth to live young and reproduce much more slowly, making them easier to manage.

If you’re worried about too many snails, encouraging natural predators like frogs, toads, or snail-eating fish can help keep their numbers balanced.

Will Snails Survive the Winter in My Pond?

Yes! Many pond snails hibernate by burrowing into the mud at the bottom of the pond during cold months. Some may remain active in milder winters.

How Do I Control Pond Snail Populations If They Get Too High?

Snails are beneficial, but if their numbers get out of control, there are natural ways to reduce them:

• Introduce predators like frogs, toads, or snail-eating fish.
• Manually remove excess snails using a net.
• Use lettuce traps—place a blanched lettuce leaf in the pond overnight, then remove it in the morning with snails attached.
• Reduce excess nutrients by clearing decaying leaves and avoiding overfeeding fish. Snails thrive on organic waste.
• Avoid chemical treatments, as they can harm other pond life. Keeping a natural balance is the best way to manage snail populations.

Where Should I Place Snails in My Pond?

Simply release them into the water, and they’ll find their preferred habitat. Ramshorn snails tend to stay on pond walls, plants, and surfaces, while Trapdoor snails bury themselves in the pond floor. If introducing them for algae control, placing them near plant shelves or shallow areas helps them start feeding quickly.

Is Barley Straw Safe for Pond Snails?

Yes! Barley straw is a natural way to help control algae, and it won’t harm snails or other pond wildlife. In fact, it can benefit snails by improving water quality and reducing excessive algae blooms.

What is a Pre-Order?

Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

Ordering Tip!

Many customers prefer to place two separate orders when ordering early in the season.

1. One for plants available now.
2. One for pre-order plants.

This ensures there are no delays, and you can enjoy your ready now plants sooner.

Read More about pre-orders

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Shipping Prices

Plant Orders:

• Standard Delivery: £6.00.
• Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

Highlands & Islands:

• Small Orders (<1.8kg): £6.00.
• Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Europe.

Read More about delivery prices

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Couriers & Delivery Schedule

Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, DX and Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

Shipping Schedule

• Aquatic Plants: Dispatch Schedule varies dependant on season.
• Garden Plants: Dispatched twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk

 

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Returns

Unpacking Your Plants

When your plants arrive, please unpack them carefully:

• Plants are packed in protective plastic bags. Check if any stems, leaves, or flowers are stuck to the inside of the bag before removing it.
• Gently peel off any stuck parts before removing the plant to prevent damage.
• Minor soil displacement or damage to leaves/stems during transit is normal and won’t affect the plant’s recovery.

If you’re concerned about your plants, take photos and email us, and we’ll assist you.

Damaged or Incorrect Items

If your plants or items arrive damaged, or you’ve received an incorrect item:

1. Take clear photos of the packaging and damaged items.
2. Email us with your order number (starting PFP) and the photos.

We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Returns of Plants/Molluscs (Non-Faulty)

Due to the perishable nature of plants and molluscs, we are unable to accept cancellations or returns for these items. If you are unhappy with your plant or mollusc, please take photos and email us with your order number (starting PFP).

For more details about returns and our full policy, please visit our Returns Policy