Going shopping.

ok this week implanning on getting a couple of fish and some coral. so i have a 72 gallon reef so i was thinking a regal tang tiny i have a QT setup so it is waiting and maybe an emporer angelfish juvi.(iknow its to big for my tank but i want one really bad!!). I was thinking on getting a clam my params are:

Phos .5-1

nitrate: 15(its a little high)

ph: 8.2

Alk: 3.15

sal: 1.023

Calcium:420ppm

so would a clam and a couple of sps frags fare? ive read that clams absorb nitrates and phosphates? any input would be great!;D

 

I agree. Go with your instincts, I wouldn't get one. It's not always easy to get fish out of a reef tank when you want to and you will have to get it out of your tank, probably sooner rather than later (in terms of it's potential lifespan) if it's healthy, otherwise it will probably die or could get aggressive from being so confined as it gets bigger.
Either way, you know you're taking a risk if you get this fish.

The clam might be a better option but I would try and get your nitrates down even further and raise your salinity closer to most natural saltwater, 1.024 or 1.025. The salinity isn't a dealbreaker but I wouldn't take any chances personally. Also clams do better in more established aquariums where there is more stuff they can eat suspended in the water.
I wouldn't put one in until the tank was at least 6 months old, although older would be preferable IMO. I've heard they do consume some amount of nitrates, I don't believe they consume phosphates but I could be wrong. I've heard a single clam really won't make a significant dent in the amount of nitrates that are produced on a daily basis in most aquariums though.

 

yea so i should try to raise the salinity and i will prob upgrade by the time the angel gets to big and my tank has been up since june so its been six months. and i was looking if i do get the clam do you have to feed it.

 

If they are of a good size you shouldn't have to feed it but it won't hurt once in a while.
Here are some general articles and links to a bunch more information. It might help give you some ideas of what to look for and what to beware when buying a clam.

Got Tridacna art
Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Hot Tips: Clam Selection Tips

 

I also just realized you're planning on an emporer angel and a regal tang. I misread. Both of those fish are going to outgrow your tank and that it will be at least a 125g hopeully more, and at least 6'. I hope you're starting to plan your upgrade now! It's always risky relying on an upgrade in the future because there are so many things that can delay/prevent that from happening. Life is crazy sometimes. Sounds like you're set on your plan though, so good luck.

 

Thanks for the help! i read articles on how to care for the clams on what trace elements they need and all that other stuff.

 

Where did you read about trace elements? I've never seen it proven that they need anything besides alkalinity, and calcium.

 

A live aquaria article like strotium magnesioum and calcium it all needs

 

Ahh yeah, I think that's their standard template for anything that calcifies a shell/skeleton. They need water chemistry to be balanced but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to be supplementing, at least not without testing for what you're supplementing first. It's sometimes worse to over supplement something than to just let it work it's way out over time so I'd be careful with that type of stuff. If you do regular water changes that generally is enough AFAIK.

 

ok and should i add a number 4 hydor powerhead also?