clams and nitrates

[demifelix]

I heard different things about keeping clams and would like you all's opinions. Are clams helping to reduce nitrates by filter feeding, or is it the other way around that the nitrate level has to be low enough in order to keep clams?

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Felix.....all I know is with a clam in my tank, I've NEVER had a nitrate issue even if I had one before I got the clam. I believe there was a test done a few years back and it was written in Aquarium magazine that they put some clams in a tank and purposely increased the nitrate level in the tank, by the next morning, it was back to nearly or at zero.

 

[dawgface]

I've heard thus before but honestly always dismissed it as nonsense.

Following.

 

[demifelix]

Thanks Jeff.

Anyone would like to share their clam keeping experience? I want to make sure I can keep clams before I buy them.

 

[merkywater]

Clams love nitrates, actually do better with nitrates present. I was also informed the more fish you have the better they do as well. This info came from an expert in clams, he was at one of the meetings we had earlier in the year. Can't remember his name.

 

[eric b]

merkywater;690350 wrote: Clams love nitrates, actually do better with nitrates present. I was also informed the more fish you have the better they do as well. This info came from an expert in clams, he was at one of the meetings we had earlier in the year. Can't remember his name.

That would be James Fatherree!

 

[misu]

bratliff;690431 wrote: I've got two clams, too many fish and always seem to have some nitrate present. The clams are very happy. I have no idea if they are reducing the amount of nitrate though since I've always had them.

same here

 

[merkywater]

Eric B;690413 wrote: That would be James Fatherree!

Thanks Eric

 

[ripped tide]

I wonder if the people who aquaculture these clams have issues giving them enough nitrate! Has anyone ever seen these places? I wonder if they have to keep the grow out tanks stocked heavily with fish that won't eventually get bored and nip the mantle.

 

[eric b]

Ripped Tide;690485 wrote: I wonder if the people who aquaculture these clams have issues giving them enough nitrate! Has anyone ever seen these places? I wonder if they have to keep the grow out tanks stocked heavily with fish that won't eventually get bored and nip the mantle.

Most aquaculture facilities that raise/breed clams usually are close to the ocean and constantly pump fresh sea water over long troughs (spelling?) that house the clams until they reach a certain age and then some use pens close to the shore to raise them in. Once they reach a certain age they are brought to market to sell and this was actually information directly from James Fatherree as I had the pleasure of spending the day driving him around to area fish stores and then to airport the day after that meeting. He has visited many of these facilities and had just returned from one in the South Pacific area.

 

[heyitsmirix3]

Clams do consume some but not to a point where they can be used to control the levels. Think of it like cheato... A ball of it isn't going to bring levels down 10 points over night in a 300 gallon tank. People just expect way too much out of things sometimes

 

[mr difficult]

I have got a lot of good info here and will be reading more as I want a clam for my system.

 

[dawgface]

Amici;690565 wrote: Not to mention that those facilities are usually dosing phyto and all kinds of other stuff that basically just ends up raising your nitrates. I can't wait to get a clam again! If anyone knows of a BIG one for sale let me know!! I've got just the light for it!

Someone has a massive one in a biocube there selling.... Let me see if I can find it fir you.

Edit: Here ya go

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=62034