It is absolutely necessary to feed Phyto ?

[Fatboy]

A friend of mine just bought a clam and he was asking me if it is absolutely necessary to feed it with Phyto. He has excellent lighting system so PAR shouldn't be a problem, but in our country, it is very difficult (in order not to say that it is impossible......) to get live phyto.

Could a product like Reef Boster from Prodibio or Zeovit Coral Food help feed the clam ?

 

[ezcompany]

there is no solid answer. some people say yes for under 2 inch clams, some say its a myth. whats for sure is that they do feed off some phyto, but is it necessary? noone knows. at least i don't lol

 

[Fatboy]

Thanks ezcompany........

Do you know if they need to be in an area with very little water flow or they can stand some good flow (ex: from the Tunze streams....) ?

 

[deepbelow]

alot of clams live in a lagoon type setting. the mantle shouldn't be blowing constantly hard.

B

 

[LBCBJ]

It has been proven in several scientific studies that clams can survive and grow without supplemental feedings (phyto). Clams don't appreciate high flow, they will close and turn themselves over if they are getting a strong current.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7618083#post7618083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by deepbelow
alot of clams live in a lagoon type setting. the mantle shouldn't be blowing constantly hard.

B

Derasas, yes, but croceas and maximas are rock clams. They live on reef slopes.

 

[LBCBJ]

Not so. Croceas and Maximas can also be found in lagoons

 

[Scott Wilson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7618206#post7618206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LBCBJ
It has been proven in several scientific studies that clams can survive and grow without supplemental feedings (phyto). Clams don't appreciate high flow, they will close and turn themselves over if they are getting a strong current.

Do you know where I can find these studies? I'd be very interested in reading about them. Thanks.

 

[mbbuna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7657358#post7657358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scott Wilson
Do you know where I can find these studies? I'd be very interested in reading about them. Thanks.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7587390#post7587390

 

[GatorReefman]

I haven't used phyto in almost an year and my three inch crocea clam seems to be ok. I have upgraded my lights from 175watt MHs to 250 watt MHs. They appear to be very hardy and can survive with light alone.