Meditteranean Mussels?

[dawhits]

Some of you may know that I have been having problems with nitrates, and my dad today thought maybe having some mussels in my tank would reduce the nitrates, because they are bivalves which filterfeed and would filter out the nitrates. He used to farm shellfish and cultured mediterranean mussels in holding tanks, the reason he said to use these was they are cheap and can thrive in 70-80 degree water. Any opinions on this?

 

[Aquascaper]

You usually find assorted bi-valves as hitch-hikers on live rock and some people have scallops, etc. in their tanks so I don't see why you couldn't. The only issue I would have would be what would happen if one died? How much toxins are they going to release, etc.?

I personally would look to stem the source of the nitrates rather than adding more bio-load to the tank to try and reduce it.....prevention is always better than a cure

 

[steelhealr]

I agree with Aquascaper. Reducing what goes in or increasing what goes out is the way to go (nutrient export). I never had 0 nitrates in my tank, since setup, until my macroalgae got excellent lighting. The growth took off and my nitrates disappeared. SH