bowl feeding a clam?

[sandyc]

I have been reading clam threads in preparation for buying a clam. I keep seeing refferences to bowl feeding. Can someone describe just how this is done?

 

[derrikd]

if it a small clam usally less than 2" you put the clam in a bowl with thak water, than add the food for them. let him sit in the bowl a while and let him digest the food. littler clams need more care.

 

[WaterDogs]

For your first clam I would not get a baby a lot of them die, instead get one 3" or larger for maximum success.

Dwaine

 

[sandyc]

Thanks for the info. Waterdogs, I am glad you mentioned the size thing. I had been looking at a 1 1/2 inch clam. I will hold out for a bigger one.

 

[WaterDogs]

Good for you, it has happened to a lot of us buying a cute baby clam only to lose it a few weeks later. The 3"- 5" range is perfect for sucess!

Dwaine

 

[prodman]

How long do you leave a clam in the bowl?

 

[Scuba Dog]

well you add just enough Dts to give the water a slight green tint...come back later about 15 minuts or untill the green tint has been filtered out by the clams...

I tend to go with the baby clams , because I enjoy raising them and there a bit cheaper than the larger clams, but then agen I feed mine often, at least three times a week or more....for most people that would be a pita...and the clams end up dieing because they are forgotnen about...kinda like me and a orange cup coral I just always forget to feed the thing...but I never forget to feed my baby maxs lol....

 

[prodman]

Is this a god way to nurse a bleached clam as well?

 

[Scuba Dog]

It couldnt hurt...

 

[Scuba Dog]

just make sure the water quality is good..and that the Ca and alk levels are ideal...by reading your tank description sounds like you have an ideal system for it...but yes target feed the clam everyday..that will help it keep its ennergy levels up some...I would feed it everyday for at least two weeks....

 

[jda]

I recommend leaving the clam in the bowl in the tank. The babies do even better if they can attach to a rock in the bowl and not be "moved". IMO they grow about twice as fast if you leave them in the bowl all the time instead of moving them in/out just for feedings.

Be careful and not leave the bowl out overnight. I have done it a few times and felt like a terrible parent. If you do, then temp acclimate them very slowly - like a new specimen.