Aquarium Maturity

[seaworks]

I have 175 gal. tank that has been setup now for 7 weeks. Fully cycled Am 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 10, pH 8.2, KH 9,cal 500, salinity 1.022 and temp 78. Lighting 2 -250 mh and 4-96 pc in retrofit canopy. When should I add my first clam, I have read post here that mention a tank needs to be mature. Also what clams do you recommend for a newbie

 

[Peabody]

I'd wait until 6 months minimum. The salinity is too low for a clam (and many inverts. Shoot for 1.024-1.026. Derasa might be a good starter clam

 

[dragon_slayer]

first thing you should do is bump up your salinity to 35ppt (1.026 specific gravity) if your intended on keeping clams.

as to your question you cant base maturity on age, same as with people, you have to go by the stability of the system. you want a system that has a constant pH, salinity, dKH, Ca, temp, etc....... when you achieve this and can keep it consistent for oh say at least 6 months, then your ready for a clam.

Derasa's are a fairly hardy beginner clam that will do well under your lighting.

hth
kc