Freshwater Clam Questions

[Eelzor]

I am thinking of getting a freshwater clam simply because of it's uniqueness. I didn't get Ghost Shrimp as I find them too small, unoticable for my larger 50gallon. I didn't get Snails, kind of for the same reason. So, I thought no invertabrate was good for me, until I saw freshwater clams in a nearby store of mine! My questions...

1. I heard they are filter feeder's, how does this work? (If they are filter feeders)
2. What do they eat?
3. Have they got any bad tankmates in particular? Or are they fine with anything?
4. How do they eat? (If they don't filter feed)
5. How do they move? - I think they use a 'tongue like' thing (which is in fact a foot) to move.

Thanks to those who reply some good info. 8)

 

[fishyjessie]

i have two clams in my larger tank and they are great. filter feeders simply strain the water and keep what they want to eat, namley alge and other common tank impurities. you want to make sure there is enough medimum on the botton of the tank for then to hide, you will not oftne see them. and a common mistake about clams is that they prefer cooler water. i make sure the bottom of the tank stays about 72 and no more than 76 degrees. it doesnt bother the other fish, and in alaska it is not a problem to keep the temp lower
other than that they dont need anything special, they burry themselves so other tankmates arnt a problem, and they eat whatever is in the tank. i think they are a great addition to my tank, even if i cant always find them.

 

[Eelzor]

I think they are a great addition to my tank, even if i cant always find them.

Strange, all the clams I see on the internet (Including yours it seems) are around 2 inches (or smaller). The ones in my lfs are about 4 inches wide and are in the coldwater section. Thanks for the help as yet. If anyone can help me on the final question no answered (5), thanks.

 

[kushball21]

aquatic novelties sells freshwater clams on ebay. yes the foot comes out of the shell and moves the clam.



30 gal

2 needle nose
4 needle nose fry
2 iridescent sharks
3 mystery snails
6 freshwater clams (just got today)

 

[jakefishman]

I am also interested in clams as I have two large koi in a tank which always seems cloudy. I have added healthy bacteria, have great filters going -- no help. Frequent water changes keeps it somewhat clear -- but occasionally ad when I go on trips it's really opaque. They seem quite healthy and have tripled in size since I got hem eight months ago. Will clams help filter this water and clean it? Seriously naive question but I'd so appreciate the input. I love my koi and don't want to give them up. Thanks.

 

[Eelzor]

I recently check the 'clams' only to find out they were freshwater mussels. No wonder they were big. Anyway, the prince was slashed by 50%! Then I asked about them only to find that they were coldwater only. They could'nt tolerate temperatures over 68F. So I have ditched that idea. In fact I have kind of ditched any more ideas for that specific tank. My next move is either,

a. Large freshwater ray tank
b. Medium saltwater reef tank

thanks for the help earlier though.