Thinking about ordering a clam.

[DasCamel]

My tank is about 18 months old with stable parameters. Effectively zero nitrates, and very low phosphates. I currently only dose kalk in the ATO, at about a 1 tsp/gallon ratio. Fish, corals and anenomes currently happy.

So my question is, if I get a clam will I need to worry about dosing more? Other than good lighting, is feeding necessary for clams? Phytoplankton? Any species to avoid? Other tips?

Looking for advice before I order. Most likely ordering online.

Thanks

[150Ron]

A young clam under two inches needs fed but anything larger is fine with good light. I have a couple and they are easy with good water and light.

[jpa0741]

My guess would be your kalk may keep up if you are thinking Crocea or maxima. If you go with a squammi or derasa they can suck up some calc. You may have to add some 2 part at some point

[DasCamel]

Ok so two inches plus and eventually two part is possible.

Any major difficulty changes between species other than calcium/alk usage? Also, who are good online clam suppliers?

[Stevenliu9]

Feeding isn't necessary but your water can't be too "clean" since clam needs nutrients in the water to grow. and Two part should be fine. Agree with avoiding clams below 2", they aren't impossible to keep but are more challenging.

[DasCamel]

Originally Posted by Stevenliu9

Feeding isn't necessary but your water can't be too "clean" since clam needs nutrients in the water to grow. and Two part should be fine. Agree with avoiding clams below 2", they aren't impossible to keep but are more challenging.

Define too clean? I tend to feed multiple times per day and mysis block once per week. Strong skimmer and filter sock changed weekly.

Too clean still? I do test zero nitrates and close to zero phosphate, clean enough for the Magnifica too clean for clams?

[MondoBongo]

Originally Posted by DasCamel

Ok so two inches plus and eventually two part is possible.

Any major difficulty changes between species other than calcium/alk usage? Also, who are good online clam suppliers?

feeding isn't required, from what i've seen it's not required at any size.

i'm supporting two clams (derasa and crocea) nicely in a mixed reef with kalk. i use a dosing pump though, instead of putting it in the ATO. not saying you need to do that, but i've found it a little easier to fine tune.

-edit-

derp, just saw your lights and tank are in your sig. i have my clams both under vegas, my 75 is shallower than your 150, but not by a whole lot. you should be good to go.

[DasCamel]

Originally Posted by MondoBongo

feeding isn't required, from what i've seen it's not required at any size.

i'm supporting two clams (derasa and crocea) nicely in a mixed reef with kalk. i use a dosing pump though, instead of putting it in the ATO. not saying you need to do that, but i've found it a little easier to fine tune.

-edit-

derp, just saw your lights and tank are in your sig. i have my clams both under vegas, my 75 is shallower than your 150, but not by a whole lot. you should be good to go.

Ok, thanks.

[moliken]

no feeding. NO phosphates, not low, unless you use something like a hanna checker and can accurately measure .00-.05

[DasCamel]

Originally Posted by moliken

no feeding. NO phosphates, not low, unless you use something like a hanna checker and can accurately measure .00-.05

Funny you say that. I use the Hanna low one. I need to clean the front glass 2-3 per week which is also consistent with the reading.

Still haven't ordered, may try Vivid next week.