New To Clams/Need Some Advice

[peterh1975]

Hey All,
I am not very familiar with Clams. So I am here to ask a few question if possible. I would like to keep serveral Clams in my sump since there Filter Feeders - Phyto Feeder and was wondering do they need flow at all ? My current sump have absolutley no flow at all. Folllowed by green seaweed, tang heaven, razor caluerpa, sargussm and soon I will have some seagrass I need to order from Billsreef.Com. I do not have any flow in my sump since I am growing out seaweed for my tangs nutritional value and the calurepa is for nutrient absorption.

If I get Clams does it need flow ? I really need to know if it does I will not buy one. I would rather leave it back at the LFS instead. I do not want to disturb any of my Macros. If Clams do not require flow is it okay to have it under 150 Watt 10K PFO HQI mounted 10" above the sump ? that is what I am currently using for my sump. Hope to hear from you marine gurus.

 

[JT]

Re: New To Clams/Need Some Advice

peterh:

For a sump, I would strongly recommend Hippopus Hippopus clams. This species is an awesome filter feeder, very inexpensive, requires the least amount of light, and will love the gentle flow through your sump. The only draw back is that Hippopus sp. do grow to become quite large, so be sure to buy small specimens.

Here is a great article that talks about using Hippopus Hippopus clams as the main biofilter in aquaria:

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

 

[peterh1975]

JT,
Thank you for the info. Do you know where I would be able to order one of theses Hipopus Clam ? thats a real funny name I would say At first I thought you were making a joke LOL

 

[chrisblore]

I believe that you can get the clams from IPSF at http://www.ipsf.com, but, living in the UK, I am unable to comment on their level of service etc. as they do not ship to the UK. For further info on IPSF, just check the Vendor Experiences forum.
Hope this helps
Chris Blore

 

[JT]

I believe that you can get the clams from IPSF at http://www.ipsf.com

Chris, I presume that you are referring to IPSF's sandbed clams (Tapes genus)? If so, we are not discussing the same clams here. However, PeterH my also find these sandbed clams to be beneficial. I don't care for them too much mainly because they are so tiny, you'd need alot of them in a big tank.

Here is a picture of a H. hippopus taken by Gerald Heslinga:

 

[chrisblore]

Sorry, I must have got my wires crossed when answering several threads from other boards. I must be getting senile in my old age!!
Sorry for any confusion I may have caused and I wish you luck in your venture.
Chris Blore