Environmental Requirements to keep you happy as your clam!!

• Posted on 21 September 2019
• By Aquarium Illusions
• Posted in https://www.aquariumillusions.com/crocea-clam-tridacna-croc… #aquariumillusions #clams 17211 107 Ave #saltwater #reef #fish #ocean #fishing #aquarium #reeftank #coral #sea #fishtank #beach #freshwater #water #saltwatertank #corals #saltlife #saltwateraqu
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Environmental Requirements to keep you happy as your clam!! with proper Lighting, Water Movement and Trace Elements.

Environmental Requirements to keep you happy as your clam!!

Lighting

With proper lighting is one of the most critical parameter essential to the well being of clams. Not only do clams filter nutrients from the water to help satisfy their dietary needs, but also employ algae cells within their mantle called zooxanthellae. These algae cells require light as and the nutrients from both the clam and the water to properly photosynthesize. The clams will then utilizes the energy from the algae cells produced through photosynthesis to aid in its growth.

Clams will require moderate to high lighting conditions, supplied by your reef-compatible LED light fixtures or metal halide fixtures. If you are using fluorescent fixtures, place your clam closer to the light source.

Water Movement

Clams do not like strong, direct water currents. Clams prefer moderate, indirect water movement. If you have strong, direct water movement it will inhibit the clam's ability to adjust the amount of water passing through it,this could affect their ability to properly filter the water and make your clam unhappy.

Trace Elements

There are three main trace elements clams require which are calcium, strontium, and iodine. These three elements should be present in the aquarium at or near levels found in natural environment. With regular water changes and routine supplementation replenish these trace elements. If your aquarium is heavily stocked or if you have a aggressive chemical filtration is used more frequent supplementation may be necessary.

Target Levels for Trace Elements

Calcium levels should be maintained between 400 to 450ppm with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4 and an 8 to 12 DKH. Clams use
calcium and strontium to build their shells.

Strontium levels should be maintained between 6 to 10 ppm. Slightly higher levels of strontium have proven not to be harmful to most invertebrates, but it can encourage unsightly cyanobacteria outbreaks.

Iodine levels should be maintained between 0.04 and 0.08 ppm. Iodine helps break down oxygen produced by the zooxanthellae cells and prevents damage due to excessive light exposure, helping the clam maintain their bright coloration. If the clam shows poor coloration, test the iodine level.

For more information please message us or stop by and see these beautiful clams for yourself.