What do clams eat

[seldin]

I have a 55 gallon reef established a couple of years ago with live rock, DSB and lots of critters.

I just purchased a clam. I read that phytoplankton is needed. I then read some where that feather dusters need phyto plankton. Well, I have small feather dusters that grow all over the tank, so I am wondering if I need to feed my clam anything special.

I make my own frozen fish food where I buy 3 different assorted fish and also add some greens. I feed frozen food 2-3 times a week and also mix this with a wide variety of flake and freeze dried foods.

One person mentioned that he does not supplment with phyto plankton, so I am unsure if I need to, since my feather dusters do well in the tank, with all of the variety that I do give.

Then, the question is do I need to target feed, since I feed my reef such a variety of food.

I have placed my clam on my sand and there is 39 times turnover with my gph from my pumps.

Thank you,

 

[reefnfun]

Clams host algae in their mantle that they harvest from for food. They do not need to be fed. However, they do need fairly strong lighting to grow the algae. Some people feed them phytoplankton. If the clam is above 3 1/2 to 4 inches it really isn't necessary. Good luck, Mike

 

[seldin]

Mike,

Thank you,

- Larry

 

[Maximus Clammus]

I agree with reefnfun, if you wish to read up on it a little more here is a great article.