CLAMS???

[Andrew v.s wild]

What are the requirements for keeping a clam?
Does the tank benifit any or are they only looks?
:confused:

[jc]

It is said they consume nitrates.

[Iplantz]

Clams are pretty hit and miss. Some live and some really just die. Metal halides are best, T-5s are ok, but if your not careful they can have some long term affects under only T-5s. You might wanna start with some lower ligh clams such as derasa or squamosa as they fair better than crocea and maxima. If you can't get those because of tank space, maximas are better than croceas. Make sure that you get a healthy 3"+ specimin as they have far better survival rates after this size. A healthy clam should react to light, closing when you wave your hand over the light (the shadow test). Look for bleach spots on the mantle (white or milky), be sure its mantle isn't stretched (looking overly wide) and make sure its extended and not "pinching" as this is hard to save. Clams benifit from filter feeder foods like phytoplanton and other, and a study on some edible clams (not the same, but still good information) showed the Dt's phytoplankton fed better over time in size an health. Algae paste such as Tahitian reef blend is also great because of there small micron food size. They do consume some nitrates, but levels should be as low as possible and the clams can take care of the rest (they do not need nitrates to live, but do benifit from low levels). Hope I answer your questions alright.


http://www.brineshrimpdirect.com/c6/Tahitian-Blend-Reef-Tank-Formula-c59.html

http://www.brineshrimpdirect.com/GP-Diets-c11.html

[jc]

I have never had t-5's and have always had clams do great. I even kept derasas and squamosas with pc lights. Starting off with a health good size clam is the key for beginners.

[Andrew v.s wild]

thanks guys

[tony]

placement are key factors with lighting and heartiness

some should not be placed on the substrate