Clams

[Heather w]

I recently ordered a clam and when I was telling my husband about it and how I felt like maintaining a healthy clam and it's chabitants was an ultimate triumph of mine he laughed and called me silly. He asked " if you want to do that at least get an oyster and I'll make you a pearl necklace". I stopped giggling, picked up my phone to ask the smartest fishy, reefy folks I know....you guys. Could oysters grow and thrive in a 75 gallon tank? If so where would one find a "baby"?

 

[mcarroll]

Most filter feeders do not fare well in aquariums if they aren't also photosynthetic.

 

[Heather w]

What does that mean. Clams feed differently than oysters? Do I need more light for success with my clam?

 

[DracoKat]

oysters don't need light to survive like clams. They are filter feeders and most tanks don't have enough food in the water column to sustain an oyster

 

[mcarroll]

Clams are photosynthetic, I'm not sure any of the other bivalves are. If you get one an oyster, you have to find the area in your tank that collects the most detritus and put him there. Could be under a powerhead. Could be in the sump. Etc.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Leave the oysters for the dinner plate.....raw.

 

[Heather w]

oysters don't need light to survive like clams. They are filter feeders and most tanks don't have enough food in the water column to sustain an oyster

I think it might be fun to try it. Feeding it would be just another feeding time routine. I think I'll try it. I'll start my research tomorrow. How they eat, reproduce and all that. I always overreach. Maybe let them settle in my future seahorse tank. I've never even eaten one. I always seem to find just one more challenge, one more thing to drive my poor husband mad!

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I would never recommend putting an oyster in a seahorse tank. in fact, I have never had any other fish in a seahorse tank. way too risky from the disease standpoint.

I think it might be fun to try it. Feeding it would be just another feeding time routine. I think I'll try it. I'll start my research tomorrow. How they eat, reproduce and all that. I always overreach. Maybe let them settle in my future seahorse tank. I've never even eaten one. I always seem to find just one more challenge, one more thing to drive my poor husband mad!

 

[Heather w]

I would never recommend putting an oyster in a seahorse tank. in fact, I have never had any other fish in a seahorse tank. way too risky from the disease standpoint.

 

[Heather w]

Thank you! I hadn't thought that through enough. I've talked to some people who put small nano species and some who don't. I don't know which I'll do. It is something I'll have to research further. The ones who do use them to clean up the excess food that doesn't get to the seahorses. Is this a valid school of thought?

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Imo, no. seahorses can be very fragile and prone to catching diseases from other livestock. they can also be out-competed for food.

Thank you! I hadn't thought that through enough. I've talked to some people who put small nano species and some who don't. I don't know which I'll do. It is something I'll have to research further. The ones who do use them to clean up the excess food that doesn't get to the seahorses. Is this a valid school of thought?