Calcium Usage with new clam

[bounce]

I have added a 6" Crocea clam to my 75 Gal tank and within 10 days my calcium has gone from 400 to 300 the alk is at 8dkh and hasn't changed. Is it possible for a clam of this size to consume that much calcium?

 

[Peabody]

Yes. Clams are hogs. I had to add a reactor when I got clams to keep myself from going nuts.

 

[bounce]

Thanks, what reactor did you end up purchasing? and would you get anotherone?

 

[Peabody]

I got a Myreef and was very happy. Myreef and Geo are killer buys

 

[grim]

Are you currently dosing anything on a daily basis? If not, you might be able to get by with kalk or a 2-part and not require a costly reactor, especially for a single clam.

jb

 

[bounce]

I dose ESV 2 part...I use Tropic marin salt which is a little low in calcium to begin with so I am having a hard time getting a balance with water changes etc.. I am planning on getting some sps and more clams so I am going to invest in a calcium reactor. I have it narrowed down to GEO or Mrc. Any additional comments on which is perfered or single or dual chamber would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Ben

 

[Peabody]

Bounce: Sounds like me! I had to use 5 times the reccomended amount of ESV with my clams and frags. I got the myreef and was just fine then. You will not go wrong with either Geo or Myreef!

 

[GettingFiesty]

I dose ESV 2 part...I use Tropic marin salt which is a little low in calcium to begin with so I am having a hard time getting a balance with water changes etc.. I am planning on getting some sps and more clams so I am going to invest in a calcium reactor. I have it narrowed down to GEO or Mrc. Any additional comments on which is perfered or single or dual chamber would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Ben

I am soooo glad I read this post. My calcium suddently dropped to 280-300 and I thought it was all the salt--I use Tropic too. This definately helps me figure out what is going on--I just got a clam last month so the combo of the 2 is probably kicking my b*tt. Thanks again!

 

[km133688]

uhoh, I got four clams... (he hopes over the the supply cabinet and pulls out his calcium test kit in a hurry, just a little worried).

Thanks for sharing this.

Kevin