clams as nutrient export

[flashyleopard]

I plan on using R0/DI water for topping off and water changes in my 125 gallon.I also will be utilizing a sump with macro algae and a remote DSB, but I was wondering what everyone thought of 6 4'' clams being able to manage the Phosphates in a 125 gallon, well stocked with fish,moderatley fed, and well skimmed.In other words, could the addition of clams keep a system that starts out with little to no phosphate keep it that way with the addition of phosphate through feeding and keeping fish?I was considering a chemical removal system to prevent future algae problems from phosphate, but from what i have read about clams, they seem to need as much or a little more than most reef aquariums can provide anyway, so they may me all I need, in conjunction with diligent feeding of the fish, well planned stocking, good skimming, and the use of the R0/DI unit.

 

[skinz78]

clams don't consume phosphates at all. They use ammonia and nitrates "fish pee and poo" I have had 30 clams in my 120g and still had to use a phosban reactor to controll my phosphates.

 

[flashyleopard]

Good to know. I saw one source and I haven't the slightest idea where, that mentioned tridacnid being Phosphate sponges to a degree.I imagine all photosynthetic cells use some, but from my years in horticulture, I remember Phosphorus being the nutrient used by plants for flowering/fruiting, with Nitrogen being for foliage growth, and Potassium being favored for root growth.I guess the phosban reactor is back on the stock list...lol

So much to buy and plumb into a tank these days. I like to keep things simple, but I also like to be procative and eliminate problems, before they start. I am willing to do things to cut corners, like utilizeing industrial metal halides for lighting warehouses and large buildings to save over the 10X more expensive aquarium industry versions, but I won't skimp on nutrient export, skimmers, pumps, powerheads, and similar equiptment.I like to always be above adequate and at least into decent grade, when it comes to that stuff.Looks like I have a Ca reactor in my future also.The starting out cost is always the most prohibitive thing about the hobby to me.I rather enjoy the trouble shooting, but hate the cost of equiptment.