clam growth

[tommyp]

I have a hippo clam that doesn't seem to be growing all that much. A friend has a tank with a calcium reactor and it seems like his hippo clams grow much faster. I was using b-ionic to keep my calcium levels up and now i drip kalk.

What are some calcium/suppliment strategies to get clams to grow?
Is a calcium reactor he best way to go or is all calcium equal?

Tom

 

[Pro_builder]

A calcium reactor adds more than just Calcium, it dissolves all the coral skeleton, so anything that a coral absorbs and displaces in its skeleton, will be put back into the tank water by the Ca Reactor.
I am yet to set mine up, but will be soon. I have been told that this is the best way to keep them growing well.

 

[Pro_builder]

Barry N or Witfull would be the best ones to ask.

 

[tommyp]

Thanks Pro

My tank doesn't have a big calcium draw since it is mostly lps/softies so I haven't looked into a calcium reactor. If it doesn't grow well with the kalk I will have to start building!

Tom

 

[Barry N.]

I have a hippo clam that doesn't seem to be growing

Good question Tom,

H. Hippopus do grow fairly fast but also will such out a lot of ca. Try to maintain ca. above 400ppm + b-ionic IMO is a good product, use to use it before going with reators.

 

[CaseyDude]

Keep the calcium in the 450 range and there will be no difference in a reactor or good calcium supplementation.

 

[Witfull]

what kind of lighting do you have, even thou the hippos are considered a low light clam, any light we have on our tanks dont come close to natural sunlight.

i beleive every clam would love to have MH.

 

[CaseyDude]

Mhs are the way to go

 

[mikej11]

Wow Casey. Those are some nice clams. Different sizes and colors. Great for show pieces. Do you always keep them up front or do you spread them out?

Micahel J

 

[CaseyDude]

Thanks Michael they were in line for the pic only now they are everywhere.

 

[tommyp]

I am boosting calcium as we speak it was in the 400-420 range. I will shoot for 450.

I had the clam almost directly under my iwasaki 250 but it moved it self to the end of the tank under less direct light. Tank is a 36" 65g AGA so it is a bit tall 24" I believe. The 250 should be enough right?

I will see how the calcium boost encourages growth

Thanks

Tom

 

[CaseyDude]

Yes Tom that should be fine.