Flame scallops.....your thoughts

[Christopher Tracy]

Last night I bought without doing research. Most of the time I do a little research before purchasing but @$11.99 and the beautiful red color I was done. Everything that I have read tells me this going to be difficult to take care of. What are your thoughts any of you guys having success with these beautiful creatures. JFTR I didn't place him in his current location he found that spot on his own.

 

[Tahoe61]

There are exceptions to every generalization in this hobby. For the most part Scallops are short lived in the average hobbyist tank secondary to the lack of small suspended particulate food. I have found that stirring up the detritus in the sand (do not disturb an established deep sand bed to do so) and blowing off the rocks in the Scallops general area is of assist. There are some small particulate foods you can add to the system, but you have to consider the balance of nutrient introduction versus maintaining water quality.

 

[vic67]

I tried keeping one and it didn't last very long. I was very deliberate and spot fed it twice a day with phytoplankton. Very exotic creatures and they look great . Good Luck !!

 

[Naiad]

I know a few people that have kept them for over a year but it involves heavy spot feeding of foods designed for filter feeders along with extra maintenance to keep the nutrients in check.

 

[Christopher Tracy]

Thanks for your imput.. I guess I'll just have to see....I know the odds are stacked against me .but they are so beautiful and the price so reasonable....I have to try.

 

[Sabellafella]

Ive kept 3 in my sump before, there acually pretty cool and also had them for about a year +1/2 before my tank crashed

 

[Christopher Tracy]

Ive kept 3 in my sump before, there acually pretty cool and also had them for about a year +1/2 before my tank crashed

Forgive my ignorance but why would you bkeep them in your sump tanl?

 

[Sabellafella]

Forgive my ignorance but why would you bkeep them in your sump tanl?

Lol, my buddy took his tank down, and i took them in but had nowere to place them beside my sump. At the time i had a couple angels and a copperband nd im sure the scallops wouldve wound up a tasty treat!

 

[Tautog]

I have as many as 8 in my local tank, or did. Here in L.I., bay scallops live between 2-3 years, less in captivity. When the scallops die, their shell opens, and the fish feed. Scallops are bi-valves that filter a tremendous amount of water everyday. Oysters filter 50 gal. / day.
Fwiw my local tank is very basic, 2 filters and light. No skimmer, no heat, nothing. Just change water every 3 weeks, 20%. Bay water.

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

The real truth about flame scallops is the short lifespan. By the time you get them in the LFS they've probably only got a few months left. Iirc the size of adults are ~2-4"? By then they don't have much time

 

[Christopher Tracy]

The real truth about flame scallops is the short lifespan. By the time you get them in the LFS they've probably only got a few months left. Iirc the size of adults are ~2-4"? By then they don't have much time

Now that make sense....so if you get 6 months of enjoyment u have done pretty good.

 

[Salty1962]

Watch closely, If it shows signs of dying, remove immediately or it will cause your tank to crash.

 

[Christopher Tracy]

Watch closely, If it shows signs of dying, remove immediately or it will cause your tank to crash.

Thanks

I noticed this morning that he moved... and he very close to my cup coral. Do his tentacles sting ? are they dangerous to my other inhabitatants?

 

[Salty1962]

Thanks

I noticed this morning that he moved... and he very close to my cup coral. Do his tentacles sting ? are they dangerous to my other inhabitatants?

It shouldn't bother any of your corals.

 

[Christopher Tracy]

Just an update...6mos and my Flame is going strong..... I am really excited about my long tentacle anemone. He's huge and beautiful.

 

[Tautog]

Nice

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

sweet!

 

[WilRams]

Good job great update

 

[Christopher Tracy]

Flame scallop died about a month ago so I guess I did ok...... got it out before it did any damage

 

[Rainyroo12]

Last night I bought without doing research. Most of the time I do a little research before purchasing but @$11.99 and the beautiful red color I was done. Everything that I have read tells me this going to be difficult to take care of. What are your thoughts any of you guys having success with these beautiful creatures. JFTR I didn't place him in his current location he found that spot on his own.

Last night I bought without doing research. Most of the time I do a little research before purchasing but @$11.99 and the beautiful red color I was done. Everything that I have read tells me this going to be difficult to take care of. What are your thoughts any of you guys having success with these beautiful creatures. JFTR I didn't place him in his current location he found that spot on his own.

I've had two flame scallops for over a year in a total 200 gallon tank. They are very happy and well fed just with a well established setup. I would guess the normal maintenance I do, keeps them happy. Like taking a turkey baster to clean the rocks.