thinking about buying a clam

[RubenG88]

My tank has only been cycling for two weeks, but my girl wanted to buy me a clam for christmas, how long do i need to cycle my tank before even putting a clam in there?

 

[fijisrfr]

I would say 6 months min. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!

 

[RubenG88]

Minimum 6 months to let the tank mature?

 

[fijisrfr]

For a clam? Yup

 

[fijisrfr]

Certainly not 2 weeks, shouldn't even have fish so soon (unless your using one to cycle)

 

[RubenG88]

No fish in it yet im taking it slow, i was just wondering how long it would take to put a clam in there, since i saw one that caught my eye at the pet store

 

[moliken]

wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fijisrfr]

Yeah, it can be torture

 

[bdacamel]

Waiting can be tortuous and I think most of us can agree that it is a hard lesson to learn without making the ultimate mistake of giving in to buying livestock too soon and then losing them but you really should hold off as your tank will be going through many changes even after six months.
I can't say very much about clams except I really want one also. I know they need strong light... my tank is coming up on one year. I think six months may be a good time to get a clam but def not Xmas.. hold yourself back!!
How about a lawnmower blenny?

 

[RubenG88]

Waiting can be tortuous and I think most of us can agree that it is a hard lesson to learn without making the ultimate mistake of giving in to buying livestock too soon and then losing them but you really should hold off as your tank will be going through many changes even after six months.
I can't say very much about clams except I really want one also. I know they need strong light... my tank is coming up on one year. I think six months may be a good time to get a clam but def not Xmas.. hold yourself back!!
How about a lawnmower blenny?

Thanks for the imput, im glad i asked first, n didnt make the mistake of rushing into it to quick

 

[fijisrfr]

Maybe you could get her a gift certificate for one to use when the tank is ready?

 

[MondoBongo]

better to wait a while. one of the biggest considerations is just getting down your maintenance routine so that everything is stable. i know the first 6 - 8 months i made a lot of bone-headed mistakes with my tank that things like clams and more sensitive corals wouldn't have tolerated very well.

you also want to make sure your lighting is up to snuff.

you will also have to decide which species you want to get. some are easier than others to keep. well maybe easier is a bit of a mis-statement. let's say somewhat differing in requirements, which may make them easier or harder, depending on your setup.

 

[billrob71]

2 weeks is no ware near enough time, 8 months would be a safe bet get everything acclimated and the tank stable.

 

[RubenG88]

Thanks for the imput

 

[Breadman03]

Mondo nailed it here. While some of the issue is allowing the tank to stabilize, probably the single greatest issue (after the nitrogen cycle is complete) is in the skill of the aquarist.

better to wait a while. one of the biggest considerations is just getting down your maintenance routine so that everything is stable. i know the first 6 - 8 months i made a lot of bone-headed mistakes with my tank that things like clams and more sensitive corals wouldn't have tolerated very well.

you also want to make sure your lighting is up to snuff.

you will also have to decide which species you want to get. some are easier than others to keep. well maybe easier is a bit of a mis-statement. let's say somewhat differing in requirements, which may make them easier or harder, depending on your setup.