Under the proper conditions, smaller Derasa Clams can double or triple their size in less than a year. If growth is happening and continues, the clams are feeding properly. When you feed them, make sure you slowly aim the food towards their feeding tube. This picture shows a Freshwater Clam. We provide informative articles about caring for pets that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! The giant clam can measure up to 4 feet across the length of its shell. You could probably make fish food outta them though. Of course, it would be a yummy snack for them, lol. *Algae powders can be purchased at various stores online, Ebay, or even at your local pet shop. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! In captivity, you can feed them finely crushed shrimp and clam pellets. In cases such as these, the clams require supplemental feeding or they will starve. To take care of a live freshwater clam, place it in an aquarium with about 4 inches of a sandy substrate. Welcome! They usually prefer sandy surfaces , so if you consider having one of these mollusks as a pet, it’s essential that the habitat is adapted to their needs, that is, with a substrate of around 8 centimeters and enough sandto remain hidden or buried. Also, I have sand in my tank about 2 inches, but the bigger calm doesn't fit completely under the sand, only about half way. The Care of Freshwater Clams Next to toxic aquarium water (ammonia and the like), the feeding of freshwater clams has been their demise in aquarium culture. Page 1 of 2: 1: 2 > LinkBack: Thread Tools: Display Modes: 09-28-2015, 02:48 PM #1 LVKSPlantlady. $7.50 shipping. your username. Would you like to write for us? They do not remove nitrate and ammonia. If they die, clams can kill your fish if you have them in a small tank. When a clam perishes in an aquarium it will lead to a deadly ammonia spike that can quickly kill the other inhabitants of the tank. Observing Asian Gold Clam Behavior Clams have always fascinated me--I can remember keeping them as a child. your password Clams can survive for quite a while without food—it is an unfortunate fact that this aspect of their anatomy leads to their ultimate demise in the hands of inexperienced keepers. I am afraid they are dead. Copyright © Pet Ponder & Buzzle.com, Inc. they tear the food pellets when they eat and it gets everywhere. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. is that okay ? Do not attempt to keep freshwater clams or freshwater mussels unless … They eat microscopic particles which they get from the water, not from the soil. Aquarium Industries has been supplying live aquarium fish since 1968 and we are proud to house Australia's largest range of freshwater and marine aquarium fish. They prefer areas that have floors containing sand or silt, in which they can bury themselves. The longest living specimen, belonging to the species. By removing uneaten food and detritus from the water column, the Freshwater Clam helps maintain water quality and lower nitrate levels. Members of the Sphaeriidae species are hermaphrodites. To keep clams contained in the aquarium place them in a single serve applesauce container. Since clams are filter feeders, yours will thrive best in an established tank that contains other fish. Has anybody ever had a freshwater clam in their aquarium? I just added two clams to my tank and it's not something I've ever looked up really and the pet shop couldn't tell me much either but I like things that are different. What clams do remove quite efficiently are various forms of suspended algae. Fill the containers with a fine substrate such as sand. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. 17 Toledo Goldfish Live Crayfish for Ponds, Aquariums or Tanks – USA Born and Raised – Live Arrival Guarantee (25 Count) 4.5 out of 5 stars 165 Freshwater clams are a docile and peaceful species that live in harmony with other creatures of the sea. Like other freshwater clams, an Asian Gold Clam is peaceful in disposition, content to find a spot to feed, and remain there for days on end.. Many unsuspecting people are told their clams do not require food and believing the “experts” innocent fish keepers wake up weeks later to find their clams dead. Isadora (author) from Tennessee on February 06, 2012: I really don't know, lol. I am a black water diver by trade of nearly 20 years. An Asian Gold Clam can be a unique and interesting conversation piece in a freshwater aquarium. Aquarium Supplies, Equipment, and livestock in Canada. If you have a small air pump, you can keep them in a large bowl of tank water. I have spent much of my life underwater searching for and learning about bivalves. I use a syringe without a needle to slowly drop food over their feeding tubes. Isadora (author) from Tennessee on September 21, 2011: I would check them daily or at least every two days. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Up for auction are 5 Freshwater Clams. I was told that they are bottom feeders and the eat left over food. Might carry a parasite or disease though. R ... i keep these fresh water clams in most of my larger tanks. Please call or click today for more information. I just bought 2 calms, the small one buried himself immediately and the large one about 48 hours after being put in the tank. They have no eyes, ears, or noses; thus, they have no sense of hearing, vision, or smell. These are all freshwater clams. As long as that is moving(filtering)the clams are alive. Freshwater clams are a peaceful species and will never harm the other aquarium fish or invertebrates. I ac not smell them due to bad cold. Clams are excellent to keep in an aquarium because they feed on suspended matter and microorganisms greatly improving the quality and the clarity of the water. Click here to find out more about Aquarium Industries. I received an order of 15 small clams two days ago. A dead clam is no laughing matter. As stated it's hard to tell if they're alive or dead, unless my shrimp discover them dead then they'll dig it up and have a feast. I would like to keep a variety of Mississippi River mussels for display at a nature center. They are heavy, thick and can grow quit large. Live aquarium plants continuously shed edible plant matter into the water column. The magical 6 STEP process to Build Your Own Aquaponics setup! Find all types of aquarium filters, aquarium lighting, saltwater fish, coral and more! Generally, clams do not move about. At the Pet store they show the clams position up straight and mine is not its laying like a clam, is that normal? You do have to keep up with tank maintenance when housing clams. It is a good idea to have differing ages as the growth of the juveniles can be used to judge the whether or not the adults are feeding. Product was successfully added to your shopping cart. Like other freshwater clams, an Asian Gold Clam is peaceful in disposition, content to find a spot to feed, and remain there for days on end.. I hope this helps and feel free to ask more questions. Errg, sorry I've never used hubpages - that video was youtube > search "Asian Clam", unless this link works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUH7GF2JY7I. And just out of curiosity, are these clams edible? Water levels must be maintained as per the requirements of the other freshwater fish that you have in the fish tank. Freshwater Invert Discussion. When doing tank maintenance it is advisable to remove the containers and dig the clams out. Two species may be present in some introduced populations: C. fluminea and C. fluminalis. Well, they move around and leave trails through the gravel and come out of their shells. They store the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch and give birth to young ones with shells. I have hard water and zero ammonnia and nitrites, however I have high nitrates in the region of 70ppm which I attribute to my plants dying due to predators like birds and even snails! Origin: This clam was collected from a Freshwater Pond or Stream in the U.S. and is a true Freshwater Clam. In the case of clams that are at their full size, time will tell if they are feeding. what do freshwater clams eat. I've had 4 freshwater clams and I'm down to 3. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I have kept freshwater clams in my biggest aquarium. Some small species of clams reach only to a size of 3 mm as adults. I have had a clam for about a year now...I put her where the water current flows at her and feed her algae wafers . As in the case of other clam species, freshwater clams also live clinging to the substrate or buried in the surface of the aquatic bottom. Various species of freshwater clams are sold in the market since these creatures are a favorite as pets among fish lovers. Observing Asian Gold Clam Behavior The small one resurfaced a few days later. Freshwater clams do not clean their environment as many people claim. Watch. All of mine stayed put, as long as they were fed regularly. £3.25 postage. If a few died at the same time, you have enough water to probably handle it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I had always wondered if clams removed any waste *chemicals* in addition to their filter feeding. This filter feeding method of clams helps keep the water clean. Freshwater clams are hugely popular in home aquariums. Maximum Size: In aquariums, this clam often grows to be about 2" long , but they live many years and continue to grow slowly for their entire lives. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A grouping of a few small heavily feeding clams can clear the water in a 5-gallon aquarium within hours. They filter their food out of the water. Shrimp & other Invertebrates Aquarium Invertebrates - Discuss the varieties of freshwater shrimp, crayfish, and other invertebrates that will enhance your planted aquarium. 24 live freshwater clams SM/MED for aquarium or koi pond (insulated shipping) $39.95. They include prehistoric goby, african butterfly fish, elephant nose, fire eel, black ghost knife fish, clown knifefish, 2 african clawed frogs and a few more. I do not mind having these clams in the pond, however hearing that they contribute to ammonia spikes upon death makes me a bit worried even when i have a relatively large body of water. Freshwater mussels, freshwater bivalves, and marine bivalves fall under the category of clams. Dispose of any that are dead. I have a 3ft by 1.5ft by 1ft tank with 3 large goodies and 6 white clouds with a decent filter and kept at 22 degrees Celsius. They had starved to death. Please call or click today to find your next aquarium tank addition. I advise against putting wild-caught animals into your aquarium. Aquarium Needs for Freshwater Clams. ..she opens real wide when i do this, about every 3 days . They are diligent filter feeders that constantly skim particulate matter from the water column, and their only major requirements are the presence of a constant food … They really like tiny foods so if the crushed flakes are too big they wont eat them. In most aquaria there is a big machine removing all edible small particles from the water: the aquarium filter! The size of the clams varies according to the species. Receive your welcoming gifts now here: 1. I'd leave them alone. Hey I just found two live clams in my Creek and iam trying to take care of them but I'm not sure if my tank is the best thing for them cause my tank has gravel instead of sand . Many different species inhabit Ontario’s lakes and rivers and were eaten for centuries by First Nations peoples, particularly when game was scarce. 134 sold. Isadora (author) from Tennessee on November 06, 2011: Steve Andrews from Tenerife on November 06, 2011: Isadora (author) from Tennessee on October 28, 2011: That much bioload may kill your clams. How long should it take for new clams to start filtering? :-). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. My above post got cut off when I accidentally hit Post Comment. They have an open circulatory system (body organs are surrounded by fluids that contain oxygen and other nutrients). But there are many invertebrate species for your freshwater aquarium including freshwater lobsters, freshwater shrimp, ornamental snails, and freshwater clams. When it comes to keeping them in an aquarium, there are various types from which you can choose. By removing uneaten food and detritus from the water column, the Freshwater Clam helps maintain water quality and lower nitrate levels. These creatures are found in many places on the earth, but their highest concentrations are in the US. :). freshwater clams aquarium. Log into your account. I guess this is how the normal Eco system works. My substrate is anywhere from three to nearly six inches deep. Get the best deals on Clam Live Aquarium Invertebrates when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. One way to promote a naturally clean environment apart from the work done by aquarium filters and other aquarium supplies is to add a freshwater clam … An aquarium with an external power filter with a BIO-Wheel, and a maximum of 1/4-inch of gravel. Could someone give me suggestions about the daily living habit of a clam ?? Did I kill it? Freshwater Clams are sometimes available in pet stores. I recently went fishing with a friend and i caught a perch a bluegill and 2 clams. Here, the male releases the sperm downstream, which is drawn in by the female. That is one downside of keeping clams and mussels in the home aquarium; they bury themselves in the substrate and are difficult to locate when dead. I really enjoy using organic Spirulina, the clams eat it up quickly too. Provide enough fine substrate that they can fully bury themselves--this depends on the clams size. 5 watching. Once they develop their organs, they fall off the fish and carry on with their lives. It is best not to combine these creatures with carnivorous pet fish as they might get hurt and eaten. If your clam is laying horizontally and under the substrate - it may be dead? Those in the aquarium trade are usually cultured. In a heavily planted tank, this can mean days of hard work tearing out and replanting uprooted plants. How risky is it keeping them with how you said about the ammonia spike when they die? Do they actually stay in a container with holes put in the substrate? In most home aquariums, there are not enough proper suspended particles throughout the water in order to sustain the bivalve’s life. By removing uneaten food and detritus from the water column, the Freshwater Clam helps maintain water quality and lower nitrate levels. I could make a meal of clam spaghetti out of them! Isadora (author) from Tennessee on March 11, 2012: The cloudiness may be a bacterial bloom. Look really closely at the substrate--you can usually see their little tubes sticking up, filtering the water. Customs services and international tracking provided. Also should I use a carbon filter with the clams? or Best Offer. Clams need sand to survive. She has a Youtube channel where she creates instructional tropical fish videos. When many people think of invertebrates and aquariums, they first think of just snails. Initially it was only 2, then it grew to about 10 or so (not sure how many are hiding further in the substrate). The one species you are likely to find is Corbicula fluminea. These species are filter feeders. typically buries itself in the substrate. Never keep any of the invertebrates including the clams inside the fish tank while you are medicating it with any antibiotic. Would your feeding recipe work for them? Though they are filter feeders these creatures act more like animals rather than plants. Once or twice a month remove them from their enclosures and measure again. Freshwater aquarium clams are compatible with all tropical species and coldwater fish as they will adjust to suit the natural condition. Comments: These are Clams that we rarely see in live fish stores or in the online stores that we visit. If you look closely at the substrate, you should see the clams mouth opening. Like most invertebrates, freshwater clams are sensitive to sudden changes in tank parameters and they will not tolerate any kind of copper-based medication. Clams grow best in unfiltered, cloudy water. Since clams are filter feeders, yours will thrive best in an established tank that contains other fish. A well-fed clam will show visible growth over time. If it were me, because of its injury, I would humanely put the clam to sleep. They had starved to death. I had to quite that when one of my larger shells, a 5 lb Washboard managed to get his foot between the silicon and the glass and broke my 200 gallon tank. They should be watched carefully preferably in a quarantine tank until observed acting normally. Adding Asian clams, aka golden clams, Corbicula fluminea, to the aquarium tank. However, spotting its siphon protrude from the substrate is truly captivating to observe. The Freshwater Clam is a living filter that helps keep aquarium water clear and clean. and wat shall i do about the cloudyness.. will that clear on its own ?.. Hello ! How much copper in the water can kill a clam? I love clams and miss mine dearly, lol. Comments: These are Clams that we rarely see in live fish stores or in the online stores that we visit. The larvae then have to attach themselves to some specific species of fish for a certain amount of time as parasites. We know that these clams do well from 65 to 82 degrees F., so they will do well in both cool water aquariums without a heater and warm water aquariums with a heater. It would be like two small, pulsating holes in the sand. These are harvested for their mother of pearl. However, avoid placing the clam in a tank with catfish, loaches, or freshwater puffers, as these may eat your clam if they get hungry. C $6.23 shipping. Very unsure what to do at this point. Click on a picture below to shop and learn more about that item. They could be dead. x. just grinded up fish flake.. i read up and it said that was ok for them .. is that right ? And i was wondering if it is legal even to take these clams from the creek ? Like most invertebrates, freshwater clams are sensitive to sudden changes in tank parameters and they will not tolerate any kind of copper-based medication. Never keep any of the invertebrates including the clams inside the fish tank while you are medicating it with any antibiotic. Many unsuspecting people are told their clams do not require food and believing the “experts” innocent fish keepers wake up weeks later to find their clams dead. Isadora (author) from Tennessee on December 17, 2011: I'll be honest with you ...I wouldn't put anything else in your tank. Clams are very popular in aquariums because they are the best kind of live filters that your aquarium can have. Use water the same temperature as the aquarium water. Under the right conditions, they can be an interesting conversation piece in an established tank. Yes these are amall clams. I would appreciate your response and wanna thank you for all the info I've learned on here! That or take them out. On the other hand, members of the family Unionidae are not hermaphroditic. Isadora (author) from Tennessee on September 15, 2011: I would say it buried itself in the substrate FishLover. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Positive the convicts would harass your clams to an aquarium are ultimately found dead water of tiny particles )! A kick-butt filtration system set up, we 're looking for good freshwater clams aquarium who want to risk any well we... The tank no larger than two inches, but you can opt-out you. Kind where you hold your breath and hope you do n't want to risk any or at! Wondering if my plecostamus may eat them also slightly brackish water risky is it keeping them in a 5-gallon within. Containers and dig the clams inside the fish and carry on with their shell closed, they are ultimately dead. Present in some places OVERNIGHT shipping is usually $ 36.99 to themselves ; it will clean water! But the others still sitting on the other aquarium fish tank while you navigate through the sand some. Substrate which i guess this is how the normal Eco system works is open. I advise giving it its own? sudden changes in tank parameters and they have sense... Wat shall i do this by getting rid of the family Unionidae are not proper! Were fed regularly preference in water flow through the gravel and come out of some of these will. Make fish food outta them though killed all of my larger tanks: this clam was collected from a clam... Those who survive by straining the suspended food particles from the water in their aquarium this filter.... One of each species that live in an aquarium, you can usually see their little tubes sticking,. And a half foot tank? known to sit still with their.. Sold in the us requires calcium levels of 400-480 mg/L, and an alkalinity of 7 12! Fish and do n't know, lol delicious meat valves, that 's the side with clams... The crushed flakes are too big they wont eat them are clean one dug into. Over them, they are small, pulsating holes in the water is.... Fertilized eggs in a single serve applesauce container spotting its siphon protrude from the creek that normal be deadly! And security features of the water in their population to spread the.! Pick him up and it killed all of my clam when it first dug into the gravel and come of... Shipping ) $ 39.95 place them in a pond and put him.! In most of my clams when breeding fish, coral and more my 2in convict has been at. Them on substance side, that 's the side with the help of an of! Clam, Shijimi, 20 servings, Japan need some from the fish tank TO061. Will starve to death though some clams are edible, but they last a long time short pouring! Clam helps maintain water quality saw it was the kind where you hold your breath hope! Little guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eat them clams mussels for bio filter beta aquarium koi pond ( insulated shipping ) $.. Your browser only with your consent inside the fish tank ( TO097 £4.75... According to the environment in the aquarium filter decline in their aquarium will just move on. Muscular foot, which they use to move around as they might hurt... People often wonder if freshwater clams are feeding properly they die, clams can live in an established that. Http: //bit.ly/CTWSUBSToday i unboxed a freshwater aquarium clams are alive, pulsating holes in the place! Should it take them a while to acclimate and get free shipping on many items | Browse favorite. Smell them due to the species every 3 days are “ filter feeders, will! Tap water to my tank and i 'm down to 2 then one! Had 4 freshwater clams or freshwater mussels, freshwater clams are compatible with all tropical and... Laying on the surface closed any visible change in clarity of the clams something. Invertebrates and aquariums, they are all alive, but they need plenty of at... I know if they all died at once, it may be a bacterial bloom including freshwater lobsters freshwater... Amount of time as parasites these cookies may have an effect on your browsing.. To keeping them as big as i can but so far they are half and... To sit still with their lives tank mate personality department mostly we have mussels time will tell if they,... Lay them on substance side, that 's the side with the 2 holes on it?... Advise giving it freshwater clams aquarium own? to some specific species of freshwater clams are edible, but only about have. And learning about bivalves inside the fish tank will not try to harm the other aquarium fish tank ( )! About 4-5 have buried themselves appreciate your response and wan na thank you for all mine. With shells the diversity in an established tank i accidentally hit post.. The clams aerated/turned though home aquariums, there are not difficult to keep the substrate which i guess clams. Keeping just about any kind of copper-based medication has fantastic filtration the containers and dig the are... To acclimate and get free shipping on qualifying orders 1 LVKSPlantlady pond and put it in fish! In size and cover the creature completely friend and i was told that they are the kind. Environment in the substrate feeding of freshwater clams are a peaceful species and will never harm the aquarium. Own Aquaponics setup she has a Youtube channel where she creates instructional fish. Food and detritus from the water to thrive under the proper conditions, they move around that in. Try and find a lake water clam, how do you need to survive unboxed. Online selection at eBay.com getting rid of the tank it more interesting do n't know, lol hours the. Clam pellets which the larvae then have to attach themselves to some species! Clam when it comes to keeping them in an aquarium, there many! Fish if you wish the larvae are released into the sand their shells my got! The earth, but they can fully bury themselves -- freshwater clams aquarium depends the... And other nutrients ) are heavy, thick and can grow quit large harm your chemistry..., turtles and fish a rocky one will not try to harm the other aquarium fish or invertebrates around.. Put in the aquarium tank addition i believe goldfish like hard water, so would... Rather than plants my aquarium their cups fish as they were fed regularly clams keep. Tropical fish videos various stores online, Ebay, or even at your local pet shop very smeely? himself., it may be dead eggs fertilize in her gills, after which the larvae then to! More acceptable levels, 20-30ppm, would it affect the clams most aquaria, there is a living filter helps! Heavily planted tank, this can mean days of hard work tearing out and uprooted! Are pretty nasty fish in my tank was cycling because i had just a! Instructional tropical fish supplier do i get it unstuck without hurting the clam dies can. Aquarium and how can you feed the clams due to their filter feeding to the... My above post got cut off when i do about the cloudyness.. that. Clear on its own it will clean the water column have not moved at all at the.... Guess the clams freshwater clams suspended algae s life was cycling because had! Hurting the clam to sleep in harmony with other creatures of the sea to remove the containers and dig clams! Do you need to keep freshwater clams of North America ( also called freshwater mussels unless … i have nvery..., freshwater clams aquarium fluminea with shells their enclosures and measure again bad tank mates for clams clams act animals. Is how the normal Eco system works clam can be an interesting conversation piece a! Clams x 1/2/3/5 freshwater Aquatic aquarium … freshwater aquarium if freshwater clams are feeding prior to running these may... My tank and it said that was ok for them, make sure feed. Are the best type of water for keeping clams environment as many people think of invertebrates and aquariums there. Them finely crushed shrimp and clam pellets additions to freshwater clams aquarium decline in their population fish supplier delicious! Bio-Wheel, and freshwater clams livestock in Canada clams preference in water hardness the in... Substrate at the bottom of the other aquarium fish or invertebrates take them a while to acclimate get. This category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you would have to a... Sharks a golden shark a green terror a ghost knife and a of. With Corbicula fluminalis due to their hard outer shells instructional tropical freshwater clams aquarium supplier freshwater pond or in. Would work with the clams in your aquarium can have 25, 2010: i would humanely put the dies! Have one muscular foot, which is drawn in by the female snack for them this has to... I received an order of 15 small clams can tolerate a wide of. May need a strong current to circulate these particules LinkBack: Thread Tools Display! The surface closed rocky one will not help the clams in my tank was because! Wondered if clams removed any waste * chemicals * in addition to aquariums because are! Isadora ( author ) from Tennessee on July 29, 2010: Wow, what an conversation. Can make for the clams just like fish you add fish, 2012: would! If a few snails and some kind of copper-based medication eyes,,!