Clam in a newer tank ?

[CamG]

Hi,
I just got back into the hobby after a very long break. ( 10 Years )

I know the rule of thumb is a tank needs to be mature before adding a clam but I wonder if this is because the tank needs to be mature or is it the owner needs a little more experience on keeping water parameters stable.

The reason I am asking is I have set up a new tank that is about 3-month-old. It is fully cycled with zero readings on ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate. My alkalinity calcium and PH are good and stable as well as salinity and temperature.

So here's the thing, Years ago I successfully kept 4 clams in my display tank, my oldest was with me for 5 years before a major tank crash that caused me to get out of the hobby. (4-day power failure )

So what are your thoughts? I know I can care for a clam properly and the real reason I got back into this hobby was to have a clam again.

Do I wait ?
For How long ?
And what is it I am waiting for ? ...
Thanks,
Cam

 

[Oldreefer44]

IMO it would be wise to wait as long as you can stand to and then wait at least that long again. Most tanks, even well after cycling experience fairly wild swings in chemistry etc. I would say that a definition of a mature tank would be at least 6 months old.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I would add, did you use live rock or dry?

 

[CamG]

I used dry rock from my old system that I cleaned really well, but I didn't cook it.

The way the clams are around here it might be another 3 months before I find one that I like.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

3 months before I find one that I like.

Well its good in a way. As we all like to talk about maturity in a tank and when "its ready", could just be a judgement call based on the rest of the coral and inverts and how they are doing.
Some new tank will kill a xenia in a week, IME, my first nem rolled up in a ball and died.
I think there may be a slight advantage to using an old used rock over a fresh mined on it a lot as the other minerals have been burned off(like liss diatoms from silicates.

 

[Tahoe61]

If lighting is appropriate I would add, but I would start with a cheaper and hardy variety like Derasa or Squamosa. Half the battle with clams is getting healthy specimens.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

If lighting is appropriate I would add, but I would start with a cheaper and hardy variety like Derasa or Squamosa. Half the battle with clams is getting healthy specimens.

If I may ask, you dont see "young tank" problems often"
My observations have been mixed, and experience losing them limited (fortunately)

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

Make sure the clam is getting enough nutrients. In a well stocked tank you will not need to feed them as they will fixate phosphorous and nitrogen from phosphate and nitrate. I dont know a great deal on clam care aside from that but this will help.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/7/inverts