Invertebrate predators with clams?

[sheni_angel]

I really want to feature a few clams in my reef tank, but I'm also interested in adding a Blue Linkia Star and a Sea Urchin. Are those compatible or not?

 

[saltyrich]

I'm not certain, but all urchins will strip your coralline algae to the bone, and in a hurry! I've heard that arrow crabs will pick at clam mantles, but I can't say from personal exp. My linkia is an algae eater. I'm under the impression that they only eat algae.

 

[jonthefb]

a linkia will leave it alone, and depending on what kind of urchin you get my best answer is maybe. some crabs will pick at clams, as well as many pygmy angels. There is also a tiny snail that feeds on giant clams they are only a couple milimeters long and hang around on the lip of the shell where the mantle often flows over. there are also bristleworms and limpets that can actually drill holes through the clams shell and kill it from the inside.
good luck, when the survive they are very beautiful!
jon

 

[sheni_angel]

I'm new at this.. Is that good or bad to strip the coralline algae?

 

[pa reef pig]

Coralline algae is a good thing and its best to not have urchins that eat it up. I had a long spine for a few weeks and took him back due to the noticable loss of coralline.

 

[pa reef pig]

Plus, after a few stings from one of those you start to loose the love for the little guy. That scared the $#!+ out of me the first time! My whole finger went numb. Alot like a hornet sting. NOT fun! If you ask me, urchins are not worth it. Might be ok for a large refugium but not much good in a reef tank.

 

[dsa_mom]

I never would have believed that a clam could have attitude until I saw a clam get pi$$ed that a turbo snail was crawling all over it and actually opened real wide and snapped shut really fast and shook that old turbo right off. No one else was in the room but I still looked around just to see if anyone else saw it--it was awesome.

 

[j21kickster]

LR covered in coralline is usually more expensive due to its attractive look-just somethin to think about

 

[sheni_angel]

I'm really starting to double think the urchin thing.......though they look so cool! I am aware of "not" touching them....can only imagine how much that would hurt.
I'm wanting Metal halide lighting so along with golfish would probably lose that coraline algae anyways...if the bleaching is true? I'll need that for the clams.
A clam with attitude? How cool! I'd love to see that for myself!!
You're supposed to have cleaner crews? But what do you stay away from? I don't want my clams hurt! Nobody's staying if they mess with my clams!

 

[mr hanky]

just because you have intense mh lights it doesnt mean your going to kill off your coraline algea i have 1500w over my tanks (2) and i have a stand of coraline you cant scrape off!!!!!!

 

[sheni_angel]

That's good to know. Does anybody have anything good to say about having a sea urchin?

 

[j21kickster]

I keep one in my sump for ocasional use. Ive handled several urchins w/o any problems it only hurts it the spine punctures the skin. The pincil and pin cussion are safe to handle the, long spine black urchins are safe too but just be gentle b/c their spines are somewhat sharp and can break off in the skin.

 

[sheni_angel]

What does "in the sump for occasional use" mean? For cleaning the algae? Do they really mow over and knock things over? I think they are some of the coolest lookin things.