clams and nitrate

[robitreef]

I have read that clams consume organic nitrates from the water. Has anyone tested the efficiency of this? Do clams thrive better in a tank that has higher levels of nitrates?

 

[Bebo77]

they do remove nitrates from the water but i dont think they will do better in a tank that has nitrates... if that makes sence...

 

[critterkeeper]

Actually, if all other conditions are optimal - they can grow much faster if nitrates are in good supply. Clam farms add various sorts of nitrogen-rich fertilizers/chemicals to their tanks to speed up growth.

Oddly enough, they tend to grow very, very thin shells though. Not really an issue unless you have a big wrasse or parrotfish...