Crazy for Clams

Originally Posted by NAS

Just got the CO2 Reactor fired up yesterday. Now, just to get it balance out. My calcium levels are terribly low.... Im considering to continue dosing until reactor is up to snuff.... as it stands the level is holding at 250ppm. Normaly this would be gone in 24 hour period so we know the reactor is workin... just not goin up yet.

From my experience, your reactor isn't going to bring up your levels - it is a balanced ca/alk additive. You need to adjust your levels manually to where you want them, then dial in your reactor to maintain them...

There are many threads to help, but to get my reactor running correctly, I adjusted Ca to where I wanted it and then monitored every day to see if levels were holding or dropping. Then I increased my flow through the reactor until the ca levels were stable. Alk also increased a little, but it all stabilized eventually at 420 ppm cal w/alk at 9.0 dkh. Now I check them about every 4 weeks.

[NAS]

Yup.

We gotter done. I found that the reactor created a bit of a Calcium- Carbonate imbalance. The Carbonate hardness we very high when I finally got my calcium up to par.

The remedy?


Magnesium suppliment! Yup, within seconds of adding the magnesium suppliment the KH stabalized out and has been holding ever since.

All is well... Except when my kids turn off my CO2 supply... Fear not! the taser fixed that!

More pics to come.

[NAS]

As far as the Clam tank goes,

Im not sure on the tank at the store Mark.... I wonder how the waterfall will look with a generous dose of purple coraline algae. It is a ramp for the crawlies too.

Im 50-50. Still leanin toward it. But I may just set it up as a rearin tank for smaller clams if and when I attempt to spawn my big squamosa.

The Beer invite still stands...

[michika]

Do you have any research etc. on clam rearing? I'll take anything you've got, from links to photos, etc. I'm assembling clam spawning and rearing information right now as a project.

[NAS]

Send me a private message. I have a fantastic contact and paper on spawing from the states. I will forward it to you. The rearing is the elsuisive part. From what I have experienced shallow water 8-10 inches to start. Circulation with little or no mechanical filtration, no skimmer at first. High calcium/ carbonate availability, light, phytoplankton, rottifiers... and .... wait.

Once you see some shell/growth start to increase depth of water and filtration... (I think, no soild info just yet). It's is rumored to take 2-3 years before you get a good Idea on the yeild.

[michika]

I'll send you a PM, however I think it would be fantastic to start a separate thread on clam propagation as well. I've been researching into and I think the more discussion we can generate the more of a benefit it can be to others.

[NAS]

Ok,

Now im in trouble.... I have just located 3 Gigas! Ultra blue. One is supposed to be over a foot! Im totally stressed out. Im trying to get them in.

Here is the trouble! I have Absolutly no space for anything else in my current clam tank. What am I to DO?


GO BIGGER! WHOOOO HOOOOOO!