Wondering if I can keep a clam

[Burrito1]

I have a 20 gallon with several corals: polyp, 2 mushrooms well three there ia a baby coming in, ricordea, and a small zoanthid frag. Question is can I keep a clam if I have a 48 watt florescent/actinic light if I place the clam about a foot from the surface or should I get another rock and pile it so that the clam is closer to the light? I also have a clownfish, firefish and a sixline wrasse. I have heard that the sixline wrasse may attack the clam as well. I want the clam b/c it is pretty and b/c of the filtration benefits, let me know if this might work.

-Erika

 

[lwflyrod]

They say it will eat / attack the clam not a good idea.

 

[camaroracer214]

i've seen many a six line in tanks full of clams...never heard of a problem, but the potential is always there.

i don't think it's enough lighting long term. focus on par, not wattage.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree that the Sixline should be fine with clams, but I'd be surprised if it didn't start harassing your firefish at some point...

I also agree that you don't have adequate lighting for Tridacna clams (I'm assuming that's what we're talking about)....

BTW, :welcome:

 

[lwflyrod]

I stand corrected, It was late, sorry bad post. wasnt thinking straight

Here's a link to reinforce what the others said. to reinforce thier position

http://www.fishlore.com/profile-sixlinewrasse.htm

 

[tazdevil]

The only time I've seen a sixline "attack" a clam was when it was covered with pyramidal snails.

 

[Burrito1]

ok, what if my lights are high output, does that make a difference?

 

[ChrisRD]

If you have T-5s with good individual lamp reflectors they can put out a lot of light for the wattage... Also, having the clam high up in the tank (closer to the lights) helps.

I've seen them kept under VHO and PC, but personally I would be cautious about trying to keep T. maxima or T. crocea under anything less than a good T-5 (w/individual lamp reflectors) or halide lighting setup.

Unfortunately, the less light demanding species like T. derasa, T. squamosa and H. hippopus grow larger/faster and are not really well suited to small tanks...

HTH