CLAM Questions!

[Tanyoberu]

I'm looking for info on clams. I know they are excellent filter feeders. But my questions are:
Does anyone have a good site or info on clam care:
What salinity is too low for SW clams or too high for FW - I have a brackish tank.
Reproduction?
Is death really that harmful to the fish?

 

[Zoodiver]

I'll toss out a few answers.

A death of one isn't always bad. But they get nasty quick, and it can jeopardize water quality. It's also relative to size as well. If you have a 90 lb clam die, it's much worse than one that is quarter sized.

Reproduction is pretty rare in home aquaria. When they spawn, the eggs broadcast out into the water column. Usually, even if this does happen, the filter manages to ruin any chance of them staying.

For marine clams salinity (at least with what I've done) should run about the same for hard coral. Also, make sure to keep your calcium level up - whether that is with a premixed calcium dose or via a calcium hydroxide drip. They pull it out FAST. I liked to keep mine between 400-500.

What species did you have in mind? There are several good small marine animals that are fairly easy to aquire. If I stay awake long enough after my night shift at the Aquarium, I'll post some pics of some of my old set ups for you.

 

[Tanyoberu]

90lb clam! One day I'll have a tank that'll hold one that size. But now I'm looking to have clams in my brackish tank. So my question is, are there species that can live in water salinity at 1.013 - 1.016 (max). And in rare cases, I'll even drop the water down to 1.010. So the clams would have to be able to endure a varied change (overtime of course).

Also, the tank size is only an 80gallon long. So Iam looking for species that will be suitable for this type of set up. Also I understand there are species that use fish as hosts during the early stage of their life. I definately DON'T want any of those species.

So my question is, do I have options? And if so, what are they?

I'm always looking for ways to improve the overall quality of my tanks. And I am considering clams to be natural filters to aid in the other processes.

 

[Zoodiver]

One of my old tanks with a rather large T. gigas clam.

 

[Tanyoberu]

Very beautiful photo Zoo! But I think I found what I was looking for.

Corbicula fluminea. Though this is a fresh water species, it can still be used in my brackish tank. And, if these bivalves, produce like they say, then I'll have another puffer snack! I also have other species that could and will gladly keep the clam numbers in check.

And in the worse case, I'll have plenty of fishing bait! Yup, I admit it! I EAT FISH TOO! AM I A CRIMINAL?!