When can Clam be added?

[Luwe2008]

I know it is said that a tank should be up and running for a period of time before a clam can be added. Around how long should one wait for the water to age enough for a clam to be added?
Thanks.

 

[MurseBS]

Id like to bump this for you cause I would like to know the same thing

 

[redhanded]

For me, Ive always waited til my ammonia zero'd out, regardless of tank age. I still have the same 10 clams for the past few years that have gone through about 5 tank changes. Just as long as your salinity, alk, temp and calcium is on par, you should be fine. I just finished a tank build and was forced to place my critters in a tank that had dead rock and ammonia still showing. Surprisingly, all my corals, clams and fish made it through with no problems at all. Not saying that I recommend it, but I dont believe in the whole "you should not add corals until your tank is "matured"". I think with a good eye on paramaters, and a healthy specimen, that old saying can be tested.

 

[FishLipz]

I suggest you wait until your tank is stable and that varies for everyone. Like redhanded said, wait until all your parameters are in check and you are sure you are maintaining them for a month or two.

 

[Luwe2008]

Well my tank is now three months old. It went through a cycle for about a month and a half. Currently I have SPS/LPS in the tank and all parameters are on check. I was just wondering because I know lots of people say to wait a while. Do you think I can add one now or I should let me water age a bit more?

 

[FishLipz]

I say go for it. I'd recommend going with a nice aquacultured one, especially if you're looking at maximas. Seems like there has been too many unexplained rapid deaths of those big French Polynesian ones.

 

[redhanded]

I also agree with fishlipz. If you are already keeping lps/sps, then I am sure you are keeping your params in check. I wouldn't be too concerned about water age, as water can always be changed out. Seems like your system is stable and good to go. Not sure on how much light you are running, so I would go with a derasa or squamosa first. Just be prepared to watch your params because clams can eat up a decent amount of calcium and alk. Good luck!

 

[skinz78]

I recommend waiting at least 6 months. I think a lot more is needed than just stable params and at the 6 month mark the tank should be good and leveled out and ready to go.

 

[redhanded]

I recommend waiting at least 6 months. I think a lot more is needed than just stable params and at the 6 month mark the tank should be good and leveled out and ready to go.

What else more do you think is needed? Also, just curious on what the difference is between a 3 month old tank that has the same params as 1 year old tank?

 

[skinz78]

I have personally lost many clams in a tank that was not old enough even though all the tanks param's were spot on. I blame this on what has been called "new tank syndrome". I believe that most tanks aren't fully stable enough for clams till 6 months old. You need to get the fish population established and get a stable supply of ammonia. Clams actually need ammonia on top of the sugars that they receive from the zooxanthalle hosting in their mantles.