Clams

[schulz1616]

I was considering buying a clam in the future and I was wondering what I should know about caring for them. The only real thing I found about them was that they are calcium hogs. I also read that a lot of different animals like to eat them. Tell me what you know.

If I can't watch the fish, I'll eat 'em

[reefguy]

well, they need really intense lighting to thrive, preferably metal halide lighting. they require high calcium and alkalinity to be able to put down their calcium carbonate shell. i feed my clam DTs phytoplankton three times a week. they require a moderate to high flow area, and depending on the particular species, can be located on the rocks or in the sand. some of the hardiest (and, consequently, not as pretty ) clams are the Tridacna derasa clams. they grow fast, can get large and seem to tolerate shipping well. hope this helps

[glassman]

in researching for a tank to include giant clams ive also read that many cary parasitic molluscans that need be kept in check by a four-line or six-line wrasse. also avoid "angelfish (and other omnivorous foragers)" as they will enjoy nibbling the tasty clam flesh.

[firechild]

As mentioned, high light is the most important part. Clams >3" rely almost completely on light and dissolved nutrients such as ammonia and nitrate (clam farmers often dose small amounts of ammonium nitrate).

clams can be kept with most reef safe fish. Main no-nos are triggers, angels (besides some pygmies), butterflies and filefish.

Also, clams like low flow, too much can irritate the mantle and cause them to close.

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hey firechild! How about a saddleback long-nosed puffer with clams? Johnny

[reefguy]

well, my coral beauty seems to have no interest in my T. derasa. but, overall, i agree with the statement that you shouldn't try to keep angels and clams in the same tank. i also avoid feeding clams to my fish in the hopes that they won't get a taste for clam meat! LOL...