Terrible Advice Tuesdays (T.A.Tues): I’m A Clam and I Need Food
NOTE: I posted a correction to the article as the below advice was proven false. Here’s the correction
Terrible Advice Tuesdays: Clams need to be fed some kind of phytoplankton in order to thrive in a saltwater tank.
The rest of the story: This is actually good advice…only until a certain point. Small clams (about 2″ [5cm] and under) aren’t fully synthetic and will need to be fed phytoplankton.
However, clams that are 2″ and over are fully synthetic and don’t need to be fed. In fact, some articles suggest feeding a clam could do more harm than good.
If your clam is getting sizable (over 2″), just give it plenty of light, good calcium levels (420 range) and it will be fine.
Browse the Store! Questions?
I agree with you.
But your advice is not totally consistent with some other articles such as this:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/7/inverts
What is the best way to remove majano anemones
If you keep little neck clams in hour reef tank, wouldn’t they need to be fed phyto?
What do you suggest doing for an established tank with both large mature clams and small new clams that need feeding?
Upon reaching maturity(over 2″) have you seen clams deteriorate due to insufficient ligjt, or can one continue feeding thier clam.
My clam (~5in derasa) usually eats whenever I feed my fish. I don’t spot feed it. It just picks up whatever’s in the water column. Also keep my parameters stable. Had it for about about 6 months and has about of 1in of new growth.
Mejano is removed with the same liquid that kills aptasia thats how I got rid of my problem. Make sure your clams are low in the tank because if there high up getting to much light they will desintigrate. Happened to me.
How deep should a tank be to keep a clam? I once read that big clams can squirt water out of shallow tanks.
jcmelski…clams certain can squirt water, however unless you had them in a really shallow tank (like under 8″), I wouldn’t worry about it.
dee…I’ve found clams very easy to keep and have never had an issue with them deteriorating. I’ve always had strong lights over my tank so giving them enough light hasn’t been an issue for me.
James…the smaller clams can be taken out and fed in tupperware containers. Place them in a container with tank water, add the food and let them sit for 30 mins to an hour. The clams will eat up the food and then can be placed back into the tank.