Post by shaydeesnail on Apr 12, 2012 1:48:15 GMT
I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread in which people can suggest and get ideas for live plants in snail tanks.
When suggesting plants it might be a good idea to say what kind of snail it usually shares a tank with. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but it's always better to be cautious!
Also if anyone has any information on the benefits of live plants in the snail tanks it would be great if you could post it too!
I find that out of my two tanks my snails will only breed in the tanks that have live plants in, even if it's only live moss.
All of my snails are local UK snails, and plants that I like to use are:
Pea shoots, I just plant the peas in the soil and let them grow. the snails like to munch the leaves a little, and will even eat the actual pea.
Carrot shoots, these grow well and look a little like cress. I don't think the snails eat these but they grow well in the tank conditions.
Moss, as my snails are all local species I just use the moss that I find near my home growing on rocks or in plant pots. The snails love to hide under it, and sometimes lay eggs under it. They love to sit on it too. I don't know if this would be as great for more exotic snails.
I sometimes pick a few weeds from the garden and plant these in the tank too, but they don't seem to last long.
In another thread Vallery suggested Hostas and English Ivy, as they grow in low light
Because cleaning out the tank would be a pain with all these plants in it, I have earthworms clean the soil for me then all that is needed is a quick side and lid wipe!
I find that when the snails food is going off a bit too much for thier liking, burying it deep in the substrate makes good food for the worms, doesn't attract flies and doesn't smell, but keeps the soil rich for the plants.
Would love to hear more suggestions!
When suggesting plants it might be a good idea to say what kind of snail it usually shares a tank with. I'm not sure if it makes a difference but it's always better to be cautious!
Also if anyone has any information on the benefits of live plants in the snail tanks it would be great if you could post it too!
I find that out of my two tanks my snails will only breed in the tanks that have live plants in, even if it's only live moss.
All of my snails are local UK snails, and plants that I like to use are:
Pea shoots, I just plant the peas in the soil and let them grow. the snails like to munch the leaves a little, and will even eat the actual pea.
Carrot shoots, these grow well and look a little like cress. I don't think the snails eat these but they grow well in the tank conditions.
Moss, as my snails are all local species I just use the moss that I find near my home growing on rocks or in plant pots. The snails love to hide under it, and sometimes lay eggs under it. They love to sit on it too. I don't know if this would be as great for more exotic snails.
I sometimes pick a few weeds from the garden and plant these in the tank too, but they don't seem to last long.
In another thread Vallery suggested Hostas and English Ivy, as they grow in low light
Because cleaning out the tank would be a pain with all these plants in it, I have earthworms clean the soil for me
then all that is needed is a quick side and lid wipe!I find that when the snails food is going off a bit too much for thier liking, burying it deep in the substrate makes good food for the worms, doesn't attract flies and doesn't smell, but keeps the soil rich for the plants.
Would love to hear more suggestions!