Clam Shell for substrate?

[Sean Rostrup]

Hi everyone

Where I live seagulls drop hundreds of clams. I have collected the shells and cleaned off any leftover meet and thoroughly washed them. Then I put them in a bag and ran them over with my car a few times. Then I washed them again.

I was originally worried that the sharp edges could damage the silicone seal of my tank but so far I have not seen any evidence of this. I’m also concerned that they will trap a lot of detritus. So far they have been fairly easy to syphon.

I find this substrate to look very unique. Can anyone think of possible problems I will run into down the road from using clam shells? I would also like to know what you all think of the look they give the tank.

 

[Cment]

My only concern would be detritus build up as you have already mentioned. The look is not for me but thats just personal preference. I say if you like it and you are diligent about removal of detritus then keep it. Ultimately, its your tank and you should do what you like best! Happy reefing!

 

[Indymann99]

35Yrs ago my first tank was run with a "crushed coral" substrate. It was surely a detritus trap but worked for 10yrs with weekly siphon vac. If you are going to have any sand dwelling fish (Goby, etc) I would be concerned that the sharp edges would be problematic for them. Otherwise looks like a free supply of substrate.

 

[jda]

Remember that detritus is mostly benign, so an occasional vacuum is no big deal. Any kind of beneficial stuff in the poo is quickly scavenged in the tank within minutes or hours... once it settles down into the substrate, it is mostly inert. It can gum up the works, so definitely get it out, but there is no harm in having it around for a while.

As long as the stuff is not unbinding any phosphate, it is likely fine.

 

[norfolkgarden]

Hi everyone

Where I live seagulls drop hundreds of clams. I have collected the shells and cleaned off any leftover meet and thoroughly washed them. Then I put them in a bag and ran them over with my car a few times. Then I washed them again.

I was originally worried that the sharp edges could damage the silicone seal of my tank but so far I have not seen any evidence of this. I’m also concerned that they will trap a lot of detritus. So far they have been fairly easy to syphon.

I find this substrate to look very unique. Can anyone think of possible problems I will run into down the road from using clam shells? I would also like to know what you all think of the look they give the tank.

Awesome look.

We used to make tire track drive ways out of it at the beach houses.
Quahogs in Rhode Island.

Not recommended for walking barefoot.
[emoji23]

It was ground up pretty well. Never had an issue with the tires. Just not smooth enough for feet stuck in shoes for 10 months a year.

Miss those days!
[emoji4]

As long as you vacuum that regularly it should be fine.