Dificult?

[drock59]

ive been reefing for a couple of years now and i have always wanted to get some clams. The problem being that everyone says they are super dificult to keep. I have had a couple of freinds clams go by the wayside also. I dont consider my freinds to be tip top reefers and i like to think i can do better. iF anyone out there can give me a few pointers on how to keep a clam alive i would appreciate it.

 

[dragon_slayer]

excelent lighting to match the clam along with no predators in the tank to attack it.

a 'perfect' reef tank is not perfect for a clam, they do best with small amounts of NO3 in the water.

depending on the size of the clam feeding of phytoplankton is required.

kc

 

[dragon_slayer]

to test out your tank the cheap way you can get a flame scallop and add to your tank. they cost about 7 bucks and if you can keep it alive for 6 months then a clam would accept the water as well. the only difference is the clam will require lighting and the scallop does not. so your lighting would then be the deciding factors on which type of clam.


kc

 

[drock59]

Well isnt that swell. i have had two flame scallops for about six months! They seems to be doing fine. my lighting consists of two 250 w metal halide and two 54wX T5's. How does that sound for lighting. Also does the phytoplankton need to be live or can i feed them the freeze dried stuff. Also, if live, where to get it and how to keep it alive? thanks so much.

 

[VinoSTL]

lighting sounds fine phytoplankton is "only required" when the clam is under 3 inches but i think it good to feed them live phyto this is becaue if you look at the body in drawings there are feeding parts to it so it can not be bad for them to use these, i don't believe they will eat the dead stuff i think it is something to do with it not being the right size or shape so dt's live is good just refridgerate it and it will be fime for about 2 months (that is how long it has been tested to stay optimum)

 

[dragon_slayer]

if you have the 2 scallops for that long, you wont have any problems with a clam and that lighting.

the scallops eat from plankton in the water, there should be enough to feed a clam as well. but if the clam is under 3" you will get better growth with regular feedings.

kc

 

[Fish-o-holic]

The main thing about keeping clams is having stability in your tank parameters. Make sure your alk and ca levels are up and strong lighting helps.

 

[drock59]

Where to get live phytoplantion?

 

[VinoSTL]

some LFS sell it

 

[Fish-o-holic]

or you can make your own.

 

[drock59]

How do i make my own live phytoplankton as my LFS does not have live phytoplankton

 

[dragon_slayer]

it's easier to do a search on 'culturing phytoplankton' then to try and explain it.

there are many detailed posts here on RC and the web about it.

kc

 

[justletmein]

You can also use a product called Coral & Clam Diet made by www.reedmariculture.com
I use it and know a few others who also use it.

 

[gwrulzmylife]

good infomation

 

[Renzema]

Drock59, Albany's amazing aquarium sells live phyto, it called DT's. Just go in and ask for that. It's what I use to feed my tank. Your corals will responde much better to it.

Thanks
Renzema

 

[drock59]

posted this thread before i found out that roger had it. thanks though