Clams requirements

[jason]

Hi anyone can advise me how to know if my clams are healthy?

What does clam eats?

What water or light conditions does clam needs? very strong light? strong current? etc.

Thanks for the advise.

[BarraCudaTM]

you can look at their colors and if they open fully

I dont know if clams take micro-organism but they sure do need alot of light

and low current .. too strong current and make them lose their "footing"

they also need the basic calcium & kH otherwise they might not grow

Try looking on top of the clam if it appears bright and vibrant with fully opened lips

[Achilles Tang]

Clams need very good lighting to prosper. I am talking about MHs or a lot of PL/FL/VHOs.

Smaller clams under 2 inches need phytoplankton to supplement their diet.

You will know when a clam is healthy by looking at the folds, if they are always closed up and not fully expanded... something is wrong. Same if the clam is gaping... ie. when you touch them, they don't close up tight but gape.

The byssal gland must be fully extended and the clam should have its foot firmly on a rock surface to feel secure... of course... putting clams on sandbeds would be alright too I guess.