Can I have a clam yet?

[Jordan_Oreo]

Hey, I have a new 60G and I want to get a clam. I was just wondering if the tank is still to new or does that matter ? Its about 2-3 weeks old. I have a few zoos growing in there an a australian black clown fish.
Let me know
Thanks

 

[acrodave]

What kind of lighting

 

[boxerzz]

nitrates level, other water parameters ?

 

[Urchinhead]

As a general rule of thumb I believe a tank doesn't fully stabilize until after about the six month mark. Assuming you have good lighting (T5 or better if you want maxima's or crocea's) and the like you should probably wait another 5+ months.

 

[acrodave]

nitrates dont bother clams they use it as a food sorce..I have put calms in tank that were only set up for a few days .. the rock was cured tho. but im sure water was nasty..i had to give it away after a year it got to big

 

[Urchinhead]

Acrodave,

Yep. They actually like a little bit of nitrates in the water.

But it was my understanding that the tank would still be getting micro ammonia and nitrite spikes that make it less than desirable for a clam thus the common wisdom on the 6 month+ mark.

 

[acrodave]

at the breeding frams they actually put a bit of ammonia in for the baby clams...I mean its allways a good idea to waite im not say just throw one in..but they are tuffer than we give them credit for

 

[Urchinhead]

Good to know. I had heard they would throw in fertilizer or some such... Is that where the ammonia is coming from?

 

[acrodave]

that i dont know i just heard that they do..

 

[Jordan_Oreo]

I have T5 lighting for this tank, I guess I will wait a bit more till I get my clam. But how do you tell the difference between the clam species ?