Freshwater Clams

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Cichla dude

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 11, 2008
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Springfield MA
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I always liked these guys... I was offered three of this guys for free. I was wondering if I should take them. But I would need some info on them first:
1.) What will/would they eat??
2.) What size will the grow to??
3.) Should they be ok in my 20 gallon long??
Does anyone have pics???
Should I get them?
-Alex
 
Not a good idea bro. They need substrate to live, but will burrow into it. They are hard to feed, and most die of starvation in captvity. Then they die in your substrate and wreck havok with your water.
 
ok no go then.
 
I have to disagree with Bottomfeeder on this one--I think that clams are a good idea, but I do agree that they can be a little difficult to care for.

Freshwater clams act as supplemental filters in your aquarium and effectively lower your nitrate count. They can also act as instruments to measure water quality: when your clams begin moving around and can't seem to find a place where they are comfortable, more than likely your water quality is suffering.

When it comes to feeding, you can either purchase invertebrate food (usually a powder or grainy substance you can periodically scoop into the water) or you can give them "green water." Green water is simply water that is green with algae and microorganisms (what happens if you were to leave an aquarium under a light without filtration. Of course, adding these foods could hurt your overall water clarity.

Clams do great in aquariums with high bio-loads, especially with large fish--just so long as those fish don't eat them. Do your research to make sure none of your fish will make snacks out of them.

Don't forget to avoid using medications in the aquarium, especially those with copper. Clams and mussels are VERY sensitive to chemicals added to the water.
 
they can be difficult to feed. the best thing is a commercial marine inverte food would be best. I would take the offer.:)
 
Would they be good in an under tank refugium of a turtle tank? I have 3 Fl. cooter and I was thinking about getting clams to help with the natural filtration I already have plant substrate down there and about 15 gal. of water.
 
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