Clams reduce nitrates?!?

[ericmcj31]

I've heard that clams reduce nitrates-is there any truth to this? If so, how?? It doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me.

 

[liverock27]

I have heard the same thing. Sorry no help from me, but I want to tag along and see if it is true how they do it.

 

[photokid]

yes it true, i am thinking about adding some to control nitrates in my NPS tank.

 

[skriz]

They do, but not to any significant degree. You're better off doing something else for nitrate control.

Remember that your calcium usage will be increased dramatically when you introduce a clam..be ready for that!

 

[ericmcj31]

yeah--I hardly ever add calc.-and mine are doing great! I guess it wouldn't hurt to test my water-I haven't done that in a LONG time--guess I'm growing too lazy here lately-

 

[photokid]

i know some people with clam dose NaNO3 to keep them healthy.

 

[george]

Skriz;159649 wrote: They do, but not to any significant degree.

And there are sites that market "filter clams" for filtering nitrates. While they do just that, you'd have to have a HUGE clam bed to do any significant filtration over other methods. It's basically an analog to plants in a refugium: yes, they suck up nitrates, but nowhere nearly enough to make much of a dent in your tank unless you have a huge refugium. Macro just doesn't compete with micro.

The "filter clams" can also be cold water species which can introduce bacteria and parasites that can bloom out of control in a warm reef. Some people use them without problems (I wouldn't say "with success"), but it's a risk that could wipe your tank for little to no reward. Especially if you have any Tridacnid clams in your system.