How hard are clams to keep?

Jcagle09 · Dec 9, 2019

At what point of a tanks life is it safe to get a clam?

RobMcC · Dec 9, 2019

From my experience, the main issue is (or at least used to be) getting one that is pest free. Apart from that, clams are pretty hardy. Most these days seem pretty clean compared to the wild ones from 10 years ago. Pests that are a problem are pyramid snails, Perkinsus, and large mollusc-eating polyclad flatworms.

Jcagle09 · Dec 9, 2019

RobMcC said:
From my experience, the main issue is (or at least used to be) getting one that is pest free. Apart from that, clams are pretty hardy. Most these days seem pretty clean compared to the wild ones from 10 years ago. Pests that are a problem are pyramid snails, Perkinsus, and large mollusc-eating polyclad flatworms.

Ok, thank you.

Hugo’s_Reef · Dec 9, 2019

I unsuccessfully kept 2 haha...from my understanding it’s a lot better to buy them when they are over 3 inches because they are more mature and less finicky .i always bought small 2 inch ones and would survive for a month then just melt .

Terry Mattson · Dec 9, 2019

I purchased one that are acucultured and doing well. I dose phytoplankton daily to feed pods and coral food weekly that contains zooplankton. Keep iodine at .06. If your tank is stable get one from a place where they are acucaltured....

Jcagle09 · Dec 9, 2019

Terry Mattson said:
I purchased one that are acucultured and doing well. I dose phytoplankton daily to feed pods and coral food weekly that contains zooplankton. Keep iodine at .06. If your tank is stable get one from a place where they are acucaltured....

Ok thank you.

Terry Mattson · Dec 9, 2019

I brew my own phytoplankton. Saves money in long run.

KrisReef · Dec 9, 2019

Deresa clams are hardy, and everything else isn't ime.

DSC reef · Dec 10, 2019

Jcagle09 said:
At what point of a tanks life is it safe to get a clam?

Once the tank has some maturity, chemistry is consistent with good lighting then you can try a clam. I always recommend tridacna squamosa or derasa for the first time as they don't require as much intense lighting as a maxima or crocea. A reliable source for healthy tridacna is important. If you buy healthy clams and provide their specific needs then you'll find most tridacna are hardy.

Mark Gray · Dec 10, 2019

pacificeastaquaculture.com Best place I know of for clams and Dr Mac has a good video on care.

CreatiVe2 · Dec 11, 2019

Mark Gray said:
pacificeastaquaculture.com Best place I know of for clams and Dr Mac has a good video on care.

I just received 2 clams from pacificeastaquaculture.com. They are impeccable and opened right up minutes in the tank. Both are around 2.5 inches too. I have ordered from them in the past and have had their clams for years. All aquacultured.

Marie7 · Dec 11, 2019

Terry Mattson said:
I brew my own phytoplankton. Saves money in long run.

How?

Waters · Dec 11, 2019

Do clams handle high flow that usually come with SPS tanks?

Terry Mattson · Dec 11, 2019

Marie7 said:
How?

See Posiedon reef systems web site. I use their system for producing phytoplankton and copods.

Terry Mattson · Dec 11, 2019

Waters said:
Do clams handle high flow that usually come with SPS tanks?

I would say low to moderate flow. You do not want high flow damaging the mantle

bryanfuel · Dec 11, 2019

Waters said:
Do clams handle high flow that usually come with SPS tanks?

No, you’re going to want to put them in a lower flow area. If their mantle is flopping around then the flow is too high.

bryanfuel · Dec 11, 2019

RobMcC said:
From my experience, the main issue is (or at least used to be) getting one that is pest free. Apart from that, clams are pretty hardy. Most these days seem pretty clean compared to the wild ones from 10 years ago. Pests that are a problem are pyramid snails, Perkinsus, and large mollusc-eating polyclad flatworms.

Can you dip or medicate clams?

DSC reef · Dec 11, 2019

bryanfuel said:
Can you dip or medicate clams?

Freshwater dip with matched PH only if signs of pinched mantle are present.

DSC reef · Dec 11, 2019

Waters said:
Do clams handle high flow that usually come with SPS tanks?

Clams can handle random high flow in short periods but typically if the flow is strong/constant enough to cause the clam to remain contracted then that will inhibit it's ability for photosynthesis. Moderate indirect flow usually is best.