Feeding small clams

[bmcq]

I recently bought 2 clams ... a 2" maxima amd a 1-1/2" somosa (sp). I have a 90 gal tank with 2 175W 10000K MH and 135W Smartlite. Just read post on General Discussion saying small clams need to be fed phyto daily .... even removing them from tank to small dish for daily feeding. I feed tank a mixture of frozen brine, 3 tsp DT's phyto, and 1/8 tsp of zoo every other day. Twice weekly I add a small amount of golden pearls. Want to make sure clams are well fed! Is this enough?

 

[Digi]

Hey Bob

How are the frags?

J

 

[bmcq]

Frags are growing and branching well!!!!

 

[dgasmd]

I am no expert, but daily is not necessary. 2-3 times per week should be more than enough. Just get it in a little bowl with tank water and add some DT. Leave it thgere for 20-30 mind or so (make sure the water doesn't get too cold) and you shuold be ready to put it back.

 

[Peabody]

How about this:
http://reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59672
http://reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61960

About the Golden Pearls....I hear even the smallest size is too big clams, so just give them to your corals.

BTW, I and a few others add a drop or 2 of Selcon to our bowls. (I float it in my sump to maintain temp.)

 

[graffyn01]

I remove my 2" and below clams twice weekly and I use a Specimen Container ( the kind that clips onto your tank like they use at the local lfs). It is quick and simple.

I feed Dt's one feeding and Koralvit-f the other. My children are growing up fast and healthy

 

[MiNdErAsR]

You must have missed this link at the top of this forum...
http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=70806

 

[bmcq]

I read the above mentioned thread, and for the most part got a good understanding of why feeding is necessary. Today I bought a "speciman container" that I can hang inside my tank to place the clams in without too much temp change. My question now is how much DT's to put in for these 2 small clams?

 

[chet-tonja]

I use a 2 liter bottle thats cut so you can place it right over the clam and squirt the DT's right in the top. Works great for me! I'd also like to know how much to use. I have been using one cap full.

 

[MiNdErAsR]

I don't think you'll find someone to say "a clam of X size needs Y amount of phytoplankton per day". But I will offer this up, see what people think...

If removing the clam for direct feeding in a separate container, I would try a small amount of phytoplankton in enough water to cover the clam. Slowly increase the amount of phytoplankton until you reach a level in which the clam can clear the water in 10 or 15 minutes. Note this is a totally arbitrary number, not one of which I've read somewhere (or maybe it is, my memory is shot ).

Thoughts?

Personally (when I had clams) I'd just add DT's to my tank as there are other critters who would benefit. I started at the dosage recommended on the label, and slowly ramped up to about an ounce a day. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to further increase the dose, but I don't DIY phytoplankton and my wallet won't let me add more DT's.

 

[SeanT]

When the clams are placed in these feeding containers and the phyto added...should I slightly stir the water so that the column moves around the clam and it can filter more efficiently?

 

[Peabody]

I don't think you need to. My 2 babys turn the water from light green to clear in 30 minutes without any current.