Do filter feeders add to your bioload?

[alyssia]

Specifically, the cleaner clams you get at the grocery store.

 

[hagfish]

Cleaner clams are actually supposed to reduce nitrates. That's really the only reason to buy them since they aren't very attractive.

 

[alyssia]

That's why I have them, but then I started wondering if they add anything.

 

[xdave]

That's a very interesting question. From a practical standpoint, if you feed them, yes, if you don't, no. If they are only taking in waste material already present, and expelling less than they take in, they actually lower the bioload.

 

[1journeyman]

A while ago when I ordered from this site I got a couple of those "burrowing clams" free.
Never saw them again.
When I went to move my tank I found them.. They've grown really well! Obviously they must do a good job of filtering water in our tanks.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by xDave
That's a very interesting question. From a practical standpoint, if you feed them, yes, if you don't, no. If they are only taking in waste material already present, and expelling less than they take in, they actually lower the bioload.

Thanks for the excellent explanation!

 

[fgcu14]

clams from the grocery??

 

[bobwire]

Originally Posted by fgcu14
clams from the grocery??
that's what I was about to ask!! What do you mean grocery store?

 

[acrylic51]

Hey XDave, 1Journeyman can you explain alittle more on these clams....any pics as well?

 

[bobwire]

https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...ot_parent_id=4
I think they are talking about these.
Do you know what they mean by grocery store? Can you literally get these there?

 

[renogaw]

i've heard some people buying 2 clams from the grocery and putting them in their fuges. why not lol, they are alive

 

[hatessushi]

Yes, you can get them from the grocery store usually in the fresh fish section they have them on ice. They are not dead. Some are called littleneck clams. Get some take them home put them in a bucket with some tank water and let them burp to get rid of water where they came from then put them in the tank.

 

[acrylic51]

Thanks for the info!!!!!!

 

[xdave]

No kiddin! Those are alive?!
Protothaca staminea, A.K.A., Tomales Bay cockle, common littleneck, rock cockle, hardshell, rock clam, steamer and butter clams. They eat phytoplankton and diatoms. Due to their short neck, they only go down about 3" or less. More info:Little Neck Clam
They can be brown or gray to almost black, depending on where they're from.

 

[blizz75]

Alot of the crustaceans at the grocery store are living, lobsters, mussels, clams and oysters.

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by xDave
No kiddin! Those are alive?!
Protothaca staminea, A.K.A., Tomales Bay cockle, common littleneck, rock cockle, hardshell, rock clam, steamer and butter clams. They eat phytoplankton and diatoms. Due to their short neck, they only go down about 3" or less. More info:Little Neck Clam
They can be brown or gray to almost black, depending on where they're from.
Thanks XDave!!!!!