Opinions on when to put a clam in a new tank

[Myrddraal]

I'm setting up a new tank, it's a 55 gal display with a 40 gal sump/fuge. I have a 4x54 T5 canopy built, and am interested in getting a crocea or two someday. How long would the tank need to running before I can consider getting one?

 

[skinz78]

6 months or more, please read this sticky:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1237978

 

[reefturkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11191345#post11191345 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skinz78
6 months or more, please read this sticky:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1237978

Not necessarily true. I have had clams thrive in my pervious setups in as little as 2 months after the tank was setup. Once corallin algae started in went the clams. It's all a matter of stability. pH, salinity, temp, Alk and calcium all need to be at their proper level and STABLE. However, with that being said, beginner reefers should wait 6 months or longer. You learn a whole lot about your tank during that time.

 

[drives300]

I agree. Soonest for inverts is when corraline is staring to establish. I read this years ago and I THINK IT MAKES sense.

 

[drives300]

I agree. Soonest for inverts is when corraline is staring to establish. I read this years ago and I THINK IT MAKES sense.

 

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11218610#post11218610 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drives300
I agree. Soonest for inverts is when corraline is staring to establish. I read this years ago and I THINK IT MAKES sense.

I think the whole 6 months deal is for those new to clamkeeping, or new to reefkeeping in general...

I have put clams into setups as young as 1 month old with no issues. Don't forget clams actually like a little ammonia in thier water (that is one way clam "farms" feed baby clams...)

Most people who have trouble w/ clams have one or more of these issues going on in thier tank:

#1) Insufficient lighting (intensity and / or photoperiod)

#2) Too much flow (yes, you read that right - clams need only enough flow to circulate water around them; if their mantles are constantly buffetted by harsh streams they don't fully extend)

#3) Nitrates too high (ammonia is OK but nO3 is a no-no)

#4) Alk below 9 dkH

#5) Ca below 400ppm / Mg below 1250 ppm (ideally IMO Ca should be closer to 500 and Mg over 1300 ppm)

#6) A fish or invert who has developed a taste for clams

If your clams don't last start at #1 and keep searching because 99% of the time you will find the answer in one or more of the above on my list