Clams on Florida Live Rock

[brian90vette]

I recently purchased some aqua cultured live rock from Florida. On this rock Is alot of clams of somewhat good size. First of all The LFS said phytoplankton was what clams filter. I bought some DTS but because I have a 400 gallon and only 30 lbs of live rock I am puzzled on how much to put in the tank. If I followed the bottle Id be out of this stuff in a few days. Expensive.
Advice appreciated,
Brian

 

[escape2thewater]

Many people, including me, use a turkey baster or syringe to just gently push the DT's near the intended recipients. Works much better then dosing the whole tank IMO, especially in your case!
KYle

 

[bdhough]

I'll second that notion. Since your tank is sooooooooooooo big you've got stuff growing in it anyways. Much more so than i would in my 20 gallons or 12 gallons.

 

[brian90vette]

Yeah as a mattter of fact I purchased one and tried that this evening. So how much is enough? Also, I have 260 W of PC is this enough for these live rock clams?
Brian

 

[spsfreak100]

Originally posted by brian90vette
Also, I have 260 W of PC is this enough for these live rock clams?
Brian
Yep, that sounds fine. These clams are most likely non phtosynthic, or are found in deeper waters.
I also agree with what others have said about the feeding.
Graham

 

[bang guy]

You're probably looking at Turkey wing clams. They will need a LOT of phyto. I agree with Graham that the clams need no light but if you put a bunch of light over that tank you'll start generating phytoplankton. Probably a lot and this can feed your clams cheaper than DTs if you want to keep them.

 

[wrassefan]

I've heard of people target feeding there clams with a 2 litre soda bottle w/bottom cut out. They dome the clam and dose the DTs. Within 10min. the cloud of DTs is gone and you know the clam has been fed. Have never done this or seen it done but sounded like something I would try.

 

[brian90vette]

ah
The 2 litre trick sounds like a good idea. I will probably try that.
As far as the lighting to generate phytoplankton is 260 W of power compacts good enough to generate that. Ive read on here where people have difficulty raising phytoplankton. The bad thing is I have a built in over flow on one side of the tank and that trickles down through bioballs and some sponges before reaching the sump. I am worrying about this being a problem with the phyto. I hadnt planned to be be dealing with the phyto at all. The clams came with the rock I ordered online. Hate to starve the clams.
Thanks for your help,
Brian