questions all.....

[unstopable]

So I had an new tank built ands it just arrived it was made just to house clams the tank demensions are 18*18*18. I have always loved clams and how beautiful they are. But i had never thought about mates for my clam tank I have always run reef systems with multiple fish and have never tried anything else. and i was wondering t0 myself what are the most beautiful creatures in the seaother than my clams and seahorses and pipe fish came to mind. so i have been doing reasearch and with a couple extra things added to my clam tank i can house these beautiful creatures.

So here is my question, where are the best online places to buy common and hard to find seahorses and pipe fish? I want to buy from the best breaders possible, that will ensure I will have a fighting chance at raising these beautiful creatures.

 

[David123]

Sorry mate, clams and seahorses, equals tail caught in clam equals, ded seahorses.

Seahorses are silly ole things, very lovable, but in the brain department, they were playing hidey when they were being given out.

A clam will clap shut when something is getting inside, tickling its mantle whatever, and a seahorse will slid its tail everywhere, its what they do, open crab claws, open clams, and when this happens, the clam will clam up, and damage-break-destroy the poorl ole seahorses tail.

 

[ReefNutPA]

I totally agree. Unfortunately clams and seahorses are not compatible tankmates. It's not a matter of IF the clam will close on a tail....it's a matter of WHEN it will happen. Sooner or later, the seahorse will drag it's tail along the clam and it will clamp shut.

Tom

 

[namxas]

+1 on the SH and most pipes. however, if you can get them onto frozen mysis, you could keep a pair of bluestriped pipes (Doryhamphus excisus) in that system since they don't hitch or slither and are small. the thing is, you'll need to be sure you have a M-F pair as males will fight to the death.

 

[wolfman1973]

i have a couple of clams in my mixed reef and they have never been a problem to my pair of dragonfaced pipes

 

[Elysia]

I think everyone's point is: there hasn't been a problem, yet.

If you know your clam very well, and know your clam is one that doesn't shut very often, then it is a calculated risk for the animals. But it is still a risk, and just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. It wouldn't be worth it to me.

 

[namxas]

well said Elysia.

i've kept clams that were "skittish" but i had a derasa that i could pick up and move very carefully without it closing.

it also depends on your SH...some are "taildraggers" (which would be more likely to get caught) and some aren't.

again...it's all about being informed before you decide to buck the tiger.

 

[unstopable]

i appreciate all the posts, i might leave out the seahorses and stick with some pipefish, who knows where this tank will go when its all filled up. the one thing i can promiss is i will post pics regarded. thanks agian all

 

[unstopable]

and one more thing where would you recomend i buy my pipefish.