Sea Clam - Info Please

vatso

vatso

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Hi All

I would love to keep a sea clam what do I need to know?

Mark
 
As far as I know
Clams need older well established tanks, same as with anemones.

Good lights. Like in Metal Halides.

Correct me if I'm wrong
 
From what I read you need good lighting T5 will be enough - I have 6 X T5 Lights for 250Lt tank & good water parms which means keeping water clean.

They say they also help remove nitrates from the water
 
Try this site out, load of info and wicked pics:

Reef Aquarium Forum

lilclam01.jpg
 
I have 270 watts

jacquesb said:
Clams require high and stable calcium levels.....As well as high lighting..... how many total watts do you have over your tank, Vatso?
Click to expand...
 
Some clams need less light then others so they say. what is important is lots of good clean water - so can't skip the water change
 
vatso said:
Some clams need less light then others so they say. what is important is lots of good clean water - so can't skip the water change
Click to expand...

The most important things are light and stable SG. These creature die very quickly if you have SG problems. The rest of the parameters, really need to be out of whack to hurt them.

Also, don't move them around. Once "planted" removing them makes them upset.
 
vatso said:
From what I read you need good lighting T5 will be enough - I have 6 X T5 Lights for 250Lt tank & good water parms which means keeping water clean.

They say they also help remove nitrates from the water
Click to expand...

Here is a very quick lesson in the water parameter theory.

How much arsenic,boron,iodine,strontium,gold,copper,iron,silicate,silver etc etc?

What plankton's are present?

What bacteria is present?

Water parameters do not revolve around the top 10 tested. they can be very misleading.

Now we appreciate that ALL water parameters cannot reasonably be tested as can bacteria, plankton and other living organisms. So do not get the impression that "test you water with an expert test kit and your tank can take on all comers".

The point I am trying to get over is your tank is far too young (needs to mature like a good wine and cultivate the things that make a successful tank) and you still have a very long learning/experience journey. Nothing wrong with asking and researching though. Time Time Time, and slowly does it, will reward you. Please consider, I understand your enthusiasm. :thumbup:
 
I am going to wait before putting in a clam need a larger tank!!

When I buy one I will think about clams - They look so cool don't you think?

every time I see one I want it
 
Clams require a tank at least 6 months old. 8 months or more is even better. Maximas and Croceas need as much light as you can give them. Squamosas are a bit less light demanding and are more forgiving in general. In general clams dont like too much flow. They also dont like to be moved around too much- find a place for them and leave them there. Keep your CA and ALK levels nice and high (and stable). Clams can also do with a bit of supplementary feeding... but this isnt a biggie as they will also just feed from what is in your water column.

Hope that helps
 
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