bivalves as filtration?

drsyme · 03-09-2005, 05:28 AM

I sorta got this idea from LISound. He has some local clams in his tank to aid in filtration.

But I was thinking, what about setting up a bed of sessile bivavles (Oysters, mussels) in a refugium? Could be with or without algae I suppose. Without algae probably wouldnt need light. This might be a supplement to a protein skimmer, or maybe even a substitute for one.

Has anyone ever heard of anyone trying something like this? What kind of results? What type of mollusc was used?

Geoff · 03-09-2005, 01:50 PM

bivalves are a little tough to do this with. they require a fair amount of nutrients in the water. in the beginning there may be enough but over time they may deplete the system. they may die.

Tridacna clams work well for this since they can get all of thier food from lighting, yet are able to supliment with disolved organics if they are available. another good option, that is usually free, are those tiny feather dusters. their population will wax and wane with the amount of nutrients in the system. they are also really easy to keep if you do not have anything that likes to feed on them.

G~

drsyme · 03-09-2005, 02:11 PM

Yea, seems so.

I recreated this thread in the think tank section. It seems that because of their high plankton needs, the net result would be nutrient import instead of export.

Maybe we need a genetically engineered oyster!

Havent given up yet though.

dwall174 · 03-09-2005, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

Tridacna clams work well for this since they can get all of thier food from lighting, yet are able to supliment with disolved organics if they are available.

Here's a article on using Tridacna Clams as a filter! http://web.archive.org/web/200307272...ch/biofilt.htm
Sounds like it would work if you had the extra space for them?