tank age for clam

[MegsB]

i am new to saltwater reefkeeping and my lighting is strong enough for clams (250w MH, 2X 96w actinics, 8 moonlights).

my question is how established should a tank be before adding a clam? i love the look of them, but at $60-110 each i want to be sure i am ready for one. does it make a difference the color/species? and do they require any special mantinence?

 

[a4twenty]

6 months or more is the general rule.

at one month your tank is to new, you could still have a mini cycle. clams need strong lights and stable parameters. i would wait and start checking your params, they will still be there in a few months and you will have a better chance of success.

 

[MegsB]

i have been regularly testing nitrate, nitrite, Ph and ammonia (i bought a test kit only for those 4, but plan to get the bigger one soon), what else should i be checking to ensure suitable conditions for a clam?

 

[a4twenty]

those and Ca, ALK ( and Mg because they work together ). a clam will use Ca and ALK to grow and build new shell, so you not only need to test for them but also add more as required. this can be accomplished by using a 2 part additive / Kalk reactor / Ca reactor.

HTH

 

[mypurpletang]

Good to know.