Freshwater clams

[s10jimmy]

I was down at the Delaware river today picking up some river stone for my tanks . I noticed a ton of little clams all over the place ! They were everywhere . From the size of of a hockey puck down to the size of my pinkie nail . I have sand in all my tanks and was wondering if anybody has ever used them in any of there tanks ? I know they are filter feeders , but do ya have to feed them ?
I'm thinking of going back down at low tide and grabbing a bunch for one of the tanks tomorrow .

[triscuit]

A few things come to mind:

1. Freshwater clams are frequently endangered or protected. Check with your local regulations before you collect any.

2. The reason freshwater clams are often protected is that they are sensitive to water quality issues. Your local stream provides a very different environment than what you have in your aquariums. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels are the first things that would kill off wild clams.

3. They will have bugs (parasites, bacteria, etc) that may affect your fish. You are better off getting a cultivated species appropriate for your water conditions.

[joe_jaskot]

Another thought is that you probably won't know when a clam dies. It can quickly foul your tank.

[AlishanAS]

Another thought is oregano, bread crumbs, bacon, lemon, butter, garlic....

[Tito]

Honestly, there's a reason why fresh water clams aren't sold. They are very hard to keep alive. Most pros will readily admit they don't even know how to feed them. Saltwater clams are sold but even they are one of the hardest creatures to keep alive in a tank.

It's tempting but you'll be very disapointed with the pathogens they will introduce to your tank.

[fischfan13]

[s10jimmy]

I was going to drop a few in a 20 long I have siting around . But I think I'll just grab a few next time I'm at the Hidden reef .

[bovsbaitboxes]

they do sell fresh water clams they are good to get rid of nitrates I dont know if they are the ones from around here but I have seen them for sale on the web good to put in sump if you can keep alive