im sure this thought has crossed more than one mind.

Discussion in 'Clams' started by Swisswiss, Feb 17, 2012.

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  1. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    so a couple months ago, almost really just for the fun of it and to save one mussel from the stomach of my family i decided to toss a common black mussel in my 180 l tank. to my surprise it still lives now.

    my question is this: i have heard these are natural filter feeders, what exactly do they feed on? are they like mini skimmers or what exactly do they "remove" from the water.

    any of you ever keep some? if yes why and how? and finally how many would be needed to notice a difference in water quality.

    any input would be most welcome

    merci!
    -jeff-
     
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  3. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

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    They feed on the same stuff our clams and corals do, small bits floating in our systems. I don't think you are gonna notice a difference in water quality in adding them, it's the same as adding any livestock, they do eat but they also expel waste. You won't likely have much luck keeping them long term, as the ones we get at the market are generally cooler water species.
     
  4. IvIountainman

    IvIountainman Spaghetti Worm

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    I love my tank, but if I could grow food in it, you bet I would be cooking it.

    Hmmm, how many caribbean conch can i fit in a 34g
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    This was a huge trend a couple years back, a real money maker for some. These were the same clams you can buy at the supermarket. But tropical fish distributors charged a fortune to buy and ship them to you, with the ideal that they were the natural filters of the future.

    A couple things wrong with this theory, most new systems of today that have all the bells and whistles can not sustain a filter feeding clam long term, unless you target feed them, now that seems to silly since you are trying to remove nutrients.
    Lastly in a nano a decent size clam die off would compromise water quality in a big way.

    I have kept such clams alive long term in a smaller tank but their purpose was to feed my octopus.
     
  6. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    hmmm, well i put three in my 118 galloon see how they will do, my BSP seems interested by them