Clams + Glass

[alb_56]

So quick question, I just added a maxima about three inches big to one of my tanks and I understand that over time their filaments can bore in to a rock and attach very strongly to the rock. Right now the clam is on a one inch deep sand bed. Can the filaments bore into the bottom pane of glass?

 

[Giovanni]

Nope.

 

[alb_56]

Ok, thanks Giovanni. I won't worry about it then.

 

[Coralreefer1]

It depends on how deep your sand bed is! If their byssal strands can come in contact with the glass, they will attach to it.

 

[alb_56]

Probably 3/4" deep. I would assume it can touch the bottom glass if it wants to. I'm ok with it attaching to the glass, just want to make sure it isn't going to bore in to the glass and cause a weak spot.

 

[MondoBongo]

you don't have to worry about it boring in to the glass. they may attach, but the boring action you're referring to is actually a product of a chemical reaction, an acid secreted around the byssus. since glass is non-reactive, no worries there.

if it does attach to the glass at any point, that's actually one of the easiest surfaces to get them off, since it is flat and uniform.

 

[alb_56]

you don't have to worry about it boring in to the glass. they may attach, but the boring action you're referring to is actually a product of a chemical reaction, an acid secreted around the byssus. since glass is non-reactive, no worries there.

Thank you very much. That's very helpful to know.