clams :good or bad for the tank?

[Mark3]

I was considering putting a couple of handfuls of small bean clams in the sand of my tank. But I don't know if they would be a good idea to add or not. Would they be of any benefit or would they be something I should avoid?

I'm talking of LIVING small wedge (or bean) clams that are found on almost every tropical beach. Tiny shells, smaller than a penny.

just wondering if these would be a creature that would be able to be part of aquarium life? Has anyone ever had them in their tank? Easy to pick up a few handfuls off the beach, but worry about what else might come along for the ride....what might be in the sand?

P.S. I have put these and other shells off the beach into the tank, but I boil shells for 20 minutes or so to make sure they are clean and pest free.... just wondering if living ones would be a option?

 

[smokin'reefer]

I am interested to see what others say on this. I have a handful of turkey wing clams that came in on my live rock. They are pretty cool. Especially when I first realized that what I thought was a Coraline crusted rock moved.

 

[DanConnor]

They are filter feeders, so will need sufficient food to survive long-term. Considering their environment my guess would be phyto and/or detritus. Most people who get these have them die after a few months, so I would guess ambient nutrient levels in the average reef tank aren't sufficient. Probably need phytoplankton additions.

 

[Triggreef]

I've seen them sold online. As mentioned feeding may be issue.