Clam QT

[Tim]

Hey all just wondering about QTing clams as I would like to get one soon and am unsure about the do's and don'ts for QTing them

I know they need a lot of light as well as good flow. The flow issue is not a problem as I have 2 spare wavemakers lying around now but I'm unsure as to whether I can generate enough light to support it though QT without buying anything else.

Would a desk lamp or similar suffice short term just for QT or am I going to have to look into some T5s or something?

Thanks for any help

[callen]

Hey Tim... Please read this before buying one. James is one of the best out there when it comes to clams. I have his book and have had a few chats with him about keeping clams. He helped me a lot with ours.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/jf/index.php

[Tim]

Having a gander now, thanks Callen

EDIT: I read that article no more than an hour before posting here

I guess what I'm asking most is, what is a cost effective solution for lighting to keep a clam happy in QT?

[callen]

EDIT: I read that article no more than an hour before posting here

LOL not surprised

I guess what I'm asking most is, what is a cost effective solution for lighting to keep a clam happy in QT?

Understand and not sure. Let me read James book and post back later.

[Tim]

Thanks Callen, I can't seem to find the answer anywhere

[TimP]

Maybe a dumb question, but why would a clam need lighting? Can they photosynthesize?

[OinKY]

Marine clams can. They have a symbiotic algae in their mantle.

[Blake]

Marine clams can. They have a symbiotic algae in their mantle.

Very cool!

[Tim]

Yep, if the algae (zooxanthelae) dies the clam won't last long either. The zooxanthelae are what produce the colours, when they die the clam / corlas turn white. That's what coral bleaching is.

[callen]

Wow I can't find anything either except to have good lighting and be super careful with acclimating in QT & main. I remember it was stressful when we put our in the main tank. my suggestion would be is to contact James W Fatherree on FB and see if he will help you. Super nice guy.

[Blake]

Wow I can't find anything either except to have good lighting and be super careful with acclimating in QT & main. I remember it was stressful when we put our in the main tank. my suggestion would be is to contact James W Fatherree on FB and see if he will help you. Super nice guy.

Thats sounds like a better option for ya lol

[Tim]

I'll have a go later on and see if I can get hold of him. Thanks for your trouble Callen, I'll let you know what I find

[callen]

Please do keep us posted. Just FYI we had a hard time keeping our clam happy...and then one morning I came down and he was gone. One of the fish ate him.

[Tim]

yep I'm being very careful with my fish choices, corals and inverts come first. That means no Angels, no wrasses, no puffers and obviously due to tank size no tangs.
I had a quick look for James on facebook last night and nothing came up but I will have another look later.

[callen]

HTH http://www.facebook.com/#!/jfatherree