Using snails to help maintain duck pond?

[jcatblum]

I have never dabbled in fresh water fish but use to have a dz plus salter water tanks, some were reef tanks, some seahorses & of course a large predator type tank. In all tanks, except the predator tank, I had a natural cleaning crew of snails, shrimp, crabs & such. Without a good cleanup crew maintaining the tanks would have been a full time job. I also used plants to help filter the water.
Does anyone use a cleanup crew in their duck pond?
I know ducks will eat small snails & such. But I use to purchase large snails & crabs that would survive with my aggressive fish.

If you have snails or any other natural cleaner that does a good job please share the details!

 

[Kevin565]

They can defiantly be a beneficial addition to a Pond Set up but can't really keep tanks as tidy in the same way they do in Tanks. Ducks poop alot and quite often. Will they'll be live pants in the pond?

 

[jcatblum]

I do plan on using plants, the largest challenge will be plants that survive the ducks. In my saltwater tanks the rocks & deep sand bed also use to assist in the filtration. I will have to research fresh water ponds & tank styles to see what I can learn.
I just ordered the silver appleyards from holderread & have at least 2 months to get the pond done before the ducks will move into their pen.
Figure we will do 1500-2000 gallons plan on having 6-8 ducks. I ordered 10 appleyards but figure I will keep the ladies & 2 drakes. I know that I will not have crystal clear water. My goal is a healthy pond for my ducks to enjoy. When my fish would dirty the water the snails & crabs would race to get to the poo first. The cleanup crew often is more entertaining than the fish!

 

[Kevin565]

Sounds like your off to a great start! Having experience in aquariums will defiantly be beneficial.