# of clams in 55

[danmar26]

I was wondering what should be the appropriate amount of clams I could keep in an established 55 reef with a few sps, lps and lots of softies.I have a dsb and a calcium reactor.I currently have 4. All are under 3"

 

[reefrunner69]

As many as you want and have room for, make sure you allow for growth to adult size. In a 55g you may be able to get 1 more, but you are probably maxed out, unless you plan on getting rid of them when they get too big. They aren't called Giant Clams for nothing.:dance:

Kevin

 

[toptank]

I hate to disagree with you but I wouldn't go as far to say," As many as you want and have room for".

You might take a glance at Daniel Knop book, " Giant Clams". ( Page 177 ) He states that clams lead to fierce competition are they need a certain amount of substance because of their intensive growth rate, calcium for one. Monitor your calcium closely as the more clams you have the more calcium is needed for growth and ofcourse amble food.

JMO.


Barry

 

[reefrunner69]

Just a thought, but if we do not add CA, buffer etc and food to our tanks, won't our fish and other inverts die? In a closed system it is expected to have to add food and supplements.

Kevin

 

[toptank]

Kevin, very true but many reefers do not keep their ca. and alk up as high as need for SPS/Clams do. Some people run their ca at 350ppm and alk in the low 8.0 to 9.0 and I feel that is way to low for SPS/Clams IMO and IME

Barry