How much nutrients do clams remove?

[B Pierce]

Hey All,

I just wanted to know how much(if any) nutrients clams remove. I have heard they remove a considerable amount of nutrients and can be an alternative to an algea-tuff scrubber.

The author of the Captive Reef Aquairum(forgot his name) claims his large poplulation of clams actually do better with nutrients present and it is quickly deminished by the clams.

Any imput would be great

Bill

 

[mbbuna]

they do use some but i think accounts of them really cleaning up tanks of nitrates and phosphates are exaggerated. i have 13 clams in a 500g system and I'm always trying to lower po4 and no3

 

[B Pierce]

mbbuna,

I have a 29gal with a small T.gigas and medium T.crocea. I plan to add two more croceas or maximas. Do you think this concenteration of clams in my 29gal which is moderatly stocked with fishes and heavily stocked with corals will make a diffrence in the nutrient levels?

Bill

 

[coralfarmer84]

My opinion is yea maybe they will remove some nutrients from the water, but you still need to keep up on your system. With that many clams your calcium is gonna get used up like crazy. I have heard good things about clams and nitrates so it can't hurt to give it a try right, if nothing then you still have some gorgeous clams

 

[mbbuna]

i agree with coralfarmer. you just have to keep up the Ca/Alk and that wont be easy.you will need to test and add every day

 

[The steven liu]

If you are really enthused about his topic, here is a journal regarding a research using T.Gigas and H.Hippopus clams as biological filters:


http://www.spc.int/coastfish/News/Trochus/Trochus8/Trochus8-07.htm

 

[johnvu713]

IMO a 29G tank will not support a heavy bioload. Maybe if you add a sump..just maybe

 

[B Pierce]

The steven liu, the link isn't working.

Bill

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

sound advice...

 

[The steven liu]

Sorry I don't know what's wrong with the copy and paste link thing, I'll try again later..

 

[Chrismo]

It's a great article... But dang those are big clam! 19" Clams! I think they said 50 pounds!

This is the real link http://www.spc.int/coastfish/News/Trochus/Trochus8/Trochus8-07.htm