Concerns or things to think about *before* adding a clam to my tank

[WallysWorld]

I'm *really* interested in adding a clam to my aquarium. Any advice or concerns would be appreciated?

I'm thinking of placing the clam on the bottom in the center, almost directly under the light. Will use a clam rock, any recommendations? Do I need to worry about my cleaner shrimp irritating the clam?

Here is a description of my tank and a photo from a couple of weeks ago.

Reefer 170 - 37 gallons (water volume)
AI Hydra26 for Lighting

running for 16 months

Stable Parameters:
35 ppt Salinity
8.3 Ph
7.5 dKH
435 ppm Ca
1460 ppm Mg
0.25 ppm Nitrate
0.06 ppm Phosphate

Livestock
2 Davinci Clownfish
1 Midas Blenny
2 Cleaner Shrimp
2 Emerald Crabs
~25 Hermit Crabs
~20 Assorted Snails
Mostly LPS and Softies, but a couple of pieces of SPS
Coralline encrusted rocks (heavily!)

 

[User1]

First, check out Pacific East Aquaculture. Great source of clams one of which I purchased from them last month. Video on care can be found below. He has another one with regards to handling, etc. I can't find it for some reason but it is in the sub forum. Nice looking tank.

I've never owned one before but I kept watching Dr. Mac's videos and a sale happened to come up and it was too good to pass up. I also waited about 15 months after my tank upgrade before I added it. Made sure algae was under control, proper clean up crew, balanced, and steady / consistent water parameters.

Seems like you have it dialed in. Check out Pac East and watch some of his videos. I think once you have that and comfortable with adding them to your tank they are a great animal to have. Just remember they live a long time

 

[Joel B.]

Rent a PAR meter and find out just how much light you're actually going to be giving the clam where you want it. There are minimum ranges, but you almost always have better luck if you can overshoot them. You'll want to make sure you have enough space around it for growth, they tend to get pretty big fairly quickly.

I've never had my cleaner shrimp bother any of my clams. Any fish that is listed as being at risk to nip fleshy coral is also at risk to nip the clam.