How big of a clam until it doesnt require as frequent feedign?

[Musho3210]

well refer to the title, its why you came here

 

[keinreis]

I attended a lecture at a reef conference last weekend by James Fatherree who is a college professor, and has written a book on his studies and studies others have done on Tridacnid Clams, and his research proved that directly feeding clams is not necessary, as long as the light is adequate, and there is a decent fish load. They receive more then the required amount of nutrients from zooxanthelia to survive and grow. His book is available at Clamsdirect.com in case you are interested in picking up a copy. His research showed this applied to clams of any size 1" or 6". I know he reads these boards because he did mention how he has read on the Bowl feedings and stuff others do that is totally unnecessary.

 

[Musho3210]

forgot to add, maximas and croceas, talking about those two clams, 150 watt MH, about 1/3rd of the way up to the light. (20 high tank so thats about..... 10 inches away from the light)

 

[jmaneyapanda]

what keinreis said.

 

[Musho3210]

Ok, thanks, is there any benefit from feeding though? Like maybe faster growth or something?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Clam are capable of filter feeding, and do so to survive and grow. The important point to be made is that purposeful feeding (ie- DT's, phyto, etc.) is likely unecessary in a well balance tank. The output from the other organisms (corals, fish, inverts, etc) will likely supply all the food a clam needs. Adding such a food source may not hurt, but it is just as possible it wont help, and could even drive the pollutants upward if left unconsumed.

 

[Musho3210]

would skimming effect this natural stuff that the clam feeds on that comes from other corals and fish?