Freshwater Clams

[tekknocolor]

I've read that freshwater clams are beneficial to the freshwater community tank. I was wondering if anyone has kept them in their tanks and also if there's any pros or cons that I should consider. I've researched as much as possible but still have many concerns.

Any input to the following would be greatly appeciated.

1. Reproduction - I've read that they reproduce like crazy, but what I've read only pertains to the ones in the wild...
2. Disease - I've read that there is a possibility that fish would form cysts because of the spores (for lack of better word) when the clams are trying to multiply.
3. Cleanliness - Do they produce more waste than they actually filtrate the water?
4. Safety - Should I take any precautions for the clam or fish?

If you can think of more, please let me know! Thanks!

 

[Wisperian]

Yea I've been wanting one of those fora while but icant find one..... sry i got nooooooooo info

 

[tekknocolor]

I've found plenty...

http/www.liveaquaria.com
http/www.azgardens.com/snails.php

and also on aquabid... snail section.

Also, there's a link on the azgardens site.

 

[Chasing Puck]

IMO, they are not appropriate for very many tanks. Most starve to death, unknown to the aquariast, and then pollute the tank. The problem is that in the wild, they filter all day long, constantly pulling particulates from the water. In our tanks, there just isn't enough food available to keep them going. Most filters are very efficient at removing the particle sizes that these guys feed on, so they don't get enough to eat. Second, they are incredibly sensitive to water quality--trace amounts of nitrogen can be lethal to them. Not a great situation.

Third, all FW mussel larvae parasitize fish--except for one species that parasitizes salamanders. Some species are very specific about the fish they can use, others are generalists and will use any fish they find. And it is not just a matter of the fish getting some bumps--they can be stunted and killed very easily. A study conducted on brook trout found that 3-4 inch fish died if they had more than 50 mussel larvae attached. Sounds like a lot, but most species of mussel reproduce by the thousands, and in the confines of an aquarium, being infected becomes very likely. Of course, there's a chance the larvae won't be able to use the fish in the tank--but it is worth losing all your fish just to find out?

Fourth, mussels spend most of their time buried in the substrate--and they will prefer sand or mud to any size gravel. The siphon extends a little bit above, and you can only tell they are alive by watching the siphon for movement. They don't move around, they don't do much of anything. They certainly won't improve your water quality, and if they die undetected can cause spikes that will kill your other fish.

JMO, but not the best candidate for a glass box.

 

[Wisperian]

Then can we put them into our filters and they can act like a filter then?? lols I never knew they were snails

 

[tekknocolor]

They're not snails... they're bivalves...

Chasing Puck: Thanks for reaffirming my concerns. I haven't purchased any and have been thinking about this for quite some time, but would like to do what is best for my fish. Do you have any articles that you can send or post so that I can read more about it? Thanks for your concerns and know that I will keep what you said in mind

 

[Chasing Puck]

Regretfully, I don't. Most of what I know is from working with local biologists to study the native North American mussel species, both historic and current populations. A local archaologist has made mussels his specialty, and I've attended several of his lectures. He has tried keeping them himself, and the best he's been able to do is keep them alive for 6 months--pretty pathetic for a creature that should live for 10+ years.

 

[tekknocolor]

Thanks for all your input Chasing Puck. I really do appreciate another opinion!

 

[FishDan]

1. Reproduction - I've read that they reproduce like crazy, but what I've read only pertains to the ones in the wild...

I don't know about anyone else, but my clams have not even begun to reproduce. Not that's I know what it looked like, but I do know I have only four clams.

2. Disease - I've read that there is a possibility that fish would form cysts because of the spores (for lack of better word) when the clams are trying to multiply.

Yeah, this is possible. The clams larvae are parasitic, so cysts would be the least of the potential problems. Again, I have had no trouble with mine.

3. Cleanliness - Do they produce more waste than they actually filtrate the water?

They produce almost no waste that I can discern. They are also certainly not the "cleaners" that some purport them to be. They are filter feeders that help remove particles and nitrate from the water, but don't rely on them to clean your water.

4. Safety - Should I take any precautions for the clam or fish?

I don't know. I haven't had any trouble myself though.

The little clams I have are about the size of a US nickel, and don't really do much of anything. As was said they burrow most often and I usually only see their siphon as the filter the water. Occassionally one will come up and move about, but they established "homes" within a few days of my adding them, and have not moved very far. I had heard that they can die without our knowledge, but so far mine are doing great. I've had them for about 6 months now myself. If you are checking water parameters often enough, and one should die, I'll find out sooner rather than later. I bought them because I thought they'd be an interesting addition to my tank, not for filtering purposes or because of some notion of usefullness. I am not disappointed I got them, I think they ae quitte interesting, despite their lack of action.

\Dan

 

[tekknocolor]

Thanks for sharing your experience with these creatures. I still have not decided whether or not to purchase them, but am open to the notion still.

 

[daddyo72]

Ive found that a sand substrate may be ideal for snails and clams. the debris will float around on the surface of the sand by way of my filters( a proquatics 1600 and a large tetra over the wall)before being sucked in to the filters.I realize many dont have a setup such as this but my two snails and two clams are doing fine so far.I am an exception the the rule I imagine, but would like to point out that it can be done. I recommend buying snails and clams well after you establish your tank with live plants and sand. I also believe good water circulation is a must for this to work.Snails are also great at eating dead plants(so they dont starve) or at least the leaves.buy a moderate light plant and put it in a low light area, some leaves will die and, wala! Instant snail food.This has worked for my clams and snails alike.

 

[ren]

I have six of them in my 55 Gallon tank. They don't do a whole lot. The water chemistry didn't change because of them and they don't seem to be beneficial or detrimental to the quality of the tank. I think it is neat to have them in there though. They aren't something you see in every aquarium. Keep in mind that they are filter feeders though and should probably not be put into a newly set up tank. Mine have pretty much buried themselves in the gravel and open and close every once in a while, especially when a fish gets too close. I'd recommend them if you're just looking for a different option than regular fish. They do'nt do much for activity and they don't help reduce harmful chemicals, but its neat to tell people that "yeah, those are alive".

 

[tekknocolor]

So no one has seen a drop in the amount of nitrate in their tanks? My tanks are all well established.. been running for about 6-7 months now. I'm sure there's plenty of stuff for them to feed off, but didn't know if it would help/hurt the community. I'm still not sure if I am going to purchase any or not.

THANKS!

 

[FishDan]

Maybe my clams have helped with my nitrates. If so, they have not helped to any degree measurable by my test kits. I think you would need a whole lot of them before you start seeing an apreciable amount of reducion in nitrates. If you really want to reduce nitrates with something alive, get some fast growing plants. Many of these will soak up nitrates like a sponge. When I bought mine I got them because I thought they'd be an interesting addition to my tank, and they are (despite the fact they don't really do anything).

\Dan

 

[tekknocolor]

Oh, ok, cool, thanks!