Could I Keep A Clam?

[MissG55]

I am new to marines and have a 280l tank. It has been up and running for 2 months now. My other half has put in a request for a clam to be added after seeing me looking at one in one of your lovely tanks. It is all he goes on about!? I know it would be a much later addition but my question is would i be able to give one a good home or is my tank too small? I have MH lighting.

 

[ben1987]

you have 150w halides dont you? its 2 foot deep isnt it?

you may struggle, what type of clam is it you have been looking at? some require more light than others. Ideally the small ones should be avoided unless you have ultra stable params and massive 400w halides as they are fairly inefficient at photosynthesis. the larger ones are a lot better at it and can survive under less. Id let your tank mature more first too. Clams are great as they use up nitrates but they can use calcium up so quickly aswel

 

[MissG55]

you have 150w halides dont you? Yes i do its 2 foot deep isnt it?Indeed it is!

you may struggle, what type of clam is it you have been looking at? some require more light than others. Ideally the small ones should be avoided unless you have ultra stable params and massive 400w halides as they are fairly inefficient at photosynthesis. the larger ones are a lot better at it and can survive under less. Id let your tank mature more first too. Clams are great as they use up nitrates but they can use calcium up so quickly aswel

I have been looking at the maxima, I think these are the bigger ones but i thought maybe too big. I wouldn't plan on adding one for a long while yet as i am still a newbie want know they can be tricky, just wanted to see if it was a possiblility for the future. Thanks for your advice . Would a maxima be a possibility or am i looking at completely the wrong one!?

 

[Morri]

You should be fine with a Clam tank needs a few months to mature, You will also need to ensure CA,Mag and KH are all stable 6-9 months old tank is recomended I pushed my luck at 6 Months check if any of your fish like clams first as well certain wrasse will eat them.

 

[ben1987]

i would say you should be ok. wait a bit first though

 

[MissG55]

Thanks, i will defintely wait a good while but good to know one is a possibility.