The Truth About Cleaner Clams

[slt wtr stupid]

Ok
another stupid question:
how do they filter the water if there buried in the sand all the time i just bought one and hes yet to come back out of the sand?

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by slt wtr stupid
http:///forum/post/2691257
Ok
another stupid question:
how do they filter the water if there buried in the sand all the time i just bought one and hes yet to come back out of the sand?
Your substraight is porous

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by slt wtr stupid
http:///forum/post/2691257
Ok
another stupid question:
how do they filter the water if there buried in the sand all the time i just bought one and hes yet to come back out of the sand?
they stick their siphons out of the sand and suck water in.

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2691058
with all due respect to Payton
When moving a clam from one location to another where the clam is out of the water it is possible for the clam to develop a potential air embolism due to some air being drawn into the gills of the clam. When the transfer is complete gently rotate the clam 360' several times to release any trapped air bubbles.
joe,
minor correction here.
thats for "giant" clams, clams like merciana and mussels are constantly exposed during low tides and seal themselves against air intrusion. air embolisms are not a threat to cleaner clams. in fact as long as they are damp and cool they can survive for days out of water. 6-8 hours out of water is nothing to them. heat is the only real threat. it dries the edge of their mantle and breaks the seal that holds their moisture in when exposed.

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by reefkprZ
http:///forum/post/2692654
joe,
minor correction here.
thats for "giant" clams, clams like merciana and mussels are constantly exposed during low tides and seal themselves against air intrusion. air embolisms are not a threat to cleaner clams. in fact as long as they are damp and cool they can survive for days out of water. 6-8 hours out of water is nothing to them. heat is the only real threat. it dries the edge of their mantle and breaks the seal that holds their moisture in when exposed.
Great clarification Reef

 

[slt wtr stupid]

so what kind of food does my clam need i have a Fowlr system so i dont add any of that kind or have any idea what it is

 

[reefkprz]

well, they eat all kinds of suspended planktons, zooplankton, phytoplankton, some fish waste particles, pretty much the same as most filter feeders. I dont know what particle size they consume but would have to assume it can be relativley large (in the filter feeder sense of the word)

 

[beth]

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