Clams as a bio-filter?

[reefmarker]

Could a clam be used as a bio filter to help keep down some of the nutrients in a tank? I saw this on a website. How about a squamosa or dersa?

I've got a 90G with 4x65 watt PC lights, lots of live rock, DSB. It grows red slime like crazy. I am looking for a natural way to get rid of the red slime. Would a filter feeding clam help? I've already got a very active refugium full of chaetomorpha, which has helped but not 100% yet. Lots of astreas, a fighting conch. Changing out the PC lights to MH or VHO isn't an option.

I have a very nice crocea in another tank under MH that is doing great, and would love another clam or two in my other tanks.

 

[StinkyNappy]

i think you need stronger lighting...

 

[Dexter1334]

I wouldn't think so. The clams have to be fed and their waste would just be another source of nutrient. They are filtering out microscopic life from the water and converting it to fertilizer. JMHO though.

 

[FLReefster]

Clams and Oysters are great at removing calcium and nitrates from the system. I don't think that they would help much with your slime issue.

Question #1 - Have you tested your water parameters? Alk, Calcium, Phosphates, Nitrates

Question #2 - What type of water are you using (tap, ro, ro/di, distilled). If it is RO or RO/DO - is this a new problem and when was the last time you changed your filter elements?

Question #3 - How old is the tank and what type of "decor" do you have (live rock, lava rock, base rock, etc).

Last question..(for now) - How old are your PC's?

 

[robwsup]

They would work as a nitrate filter, but you would need Tridacna species clams. Oysters, mussels, etc would not work because there is not enough crap in any tank to keep them fat and happy (ever seen an oyster flat?).

Tridacna can supplement there feeding with photosynthesis, but you need more lighting.