Baby Clams

[Duc1098]

So I have always been leary about small clams for the only reason being how to feed them. However, I went to Reefwise this past weekend and he had 10 really nice clams, about 5-6 of which I would classify as ultras. The others were really nice but 2 really caught my eye, one of which I have a picture posted below.

The problem was that these guys were tiny and I didn't know exactly how to care for them. That was until I found this technique on RC.

I have place some sand in a shallow piece of Tupperware and put the clams in it. Whenever I need to feed the clams I take the Tupperware out of the tank and add phyto to the container until it gets a slight color tint. I wait about 15 minutes when the color clears and I place the entire container back in the tank on the sandbed.

This is the one I had to have, I didn't get the second one I really liked cause the girlfriend wanted a different one. Oh well, I gotta keep here happy or she might pull the plug on my hobby one day.

 

[tj1627]

A happy wife makes a happy reef....


Or something like that ;-)

 

[tomek77pl]

Great info! I might pick up baby clam now if I see one that I like.

 

[johnike]

Great idea, Adam.
I've had this gem for a few months now.

 

[madadi]

how much do they run? great find. I might get myself some. would love to see a pic of other one too
thanks

 

[Duc1098]

 

[Duc1098]

$59 each.

 

[madadi]

sweet, will def buy some and use your method of feeding. you dose live phyto or the really concentrated stuff?

 

[Duc1098]

I did both. I have a bunch left over when I was culturing Rotifiers and Phytoplankton. I stopped when I lost my Rotifiers culture and had now use for the phyto anymore. I think I'll start my culture up again when I use up this 4 gallons I've got.

 

[Duc1098]

So far this feeding technique is working pretty well. Clams are doing great so far. Here's a picture of them from tonight just after feeding.

 

[smtank]

Very cool. I have never had much luck with really small clams. Such an easy solution and a great tip. Thank you.

 

[h.cordero]

I don't know much about clams could you explain more please, would like to know more

 

[BluberryReefer]

Also interested in why this technique works? I don't know much about clam care so am wondering what's the significance of the Tupperware and taking the container out to feed. Thanks.

 

[Duc1098]

When clams are under 2" or so their mantle is not large enough to produce enough nutrients to survive off photosynthesis alone and need to be feed phytoplankton to supplement photosynthesis since they are also filter feeders. Using Tupperware is an easy way to ensure the clams are getting enough phytoplankton to survive and grow instead of just dumping a bunch in the tank and hoping they are getting enough food. Once they are large enough the mantle has enough surface area for photosynthesis to supply enough nutrition to the clam without supplemental feedings.

 

[BluberryReefer]

Cool. Thanks!

 

[johnike]

Great info Adam, thanks for sharing.