Clams and Skimmers
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28277
Printed Date: February 27 2026 at 11:24pm
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Topic: Clams and Skimmers
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Subject: Clams and Skimmers
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 10:14am
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Taking this from another thread.
Mark said
Skimmers are accessory filtration IMO. In case you didn't realize, clams are also accessory filtration, almost taking the place of a skimmer
Anyone buying that?
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Replies:
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 10:21am
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Nope not at all, ------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: ffc3
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 10:22am
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Skimmers for about twice the tank rating is what I buy. ------------- Draper, UT 125 Reef |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 10:43am
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No I don't.
Mike -------------  |
Posted By: bbauman
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 11:12am
Maybe with a 3ft gigas clam?  ------------- 28g Cube http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=23030" rel="nofollow - Beginners Guide to Saltwater Aquariums Brandon in West Jordan |
Posted By: superman1981
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 11:23am
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I believe everything Mark says, and nothing that Adam says.
------------- Sure you are, you are Crappy Reef Club Member #1 -Chk4tix 6 gal nanocube 65 gal http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78639&title=tims-65-gallon-build" rel="nofollow - build thread |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 11:45am
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I believe everything Mark says, and nothing that Adam says.
I've got to make that my sig line.
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Shane H
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 1:59pm
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Sorry - I didn't see this thread until I posted in the other one.
I'm not buying it. It may be possible that 100 clams = 1 skimmer though.
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Posted By: GentlemanBean
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 2:04pm
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i'm sure clams would be good for lowering your phosphates but i would think they would only be able to remove a small fraction of the organics that a decent skimmer can remove.
------------- 
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Posted By: Acrid
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 2:53pm
Funny, because I believe everything Adam says and nothing Mark says. ------------- 90g Reef |
superman1981 wrote:Posted By: cl2ysta1
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 3:03pm
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we have three large clams.. over 12 inches, and our skimmer is still pulling out a five gallon bucket every few days. with only 12 fish now. ------------- I <3 Boxers Achilles tang lover |
Posted By: superman1981
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 3:08pm
Wow, 5 gallons! Did Exxon-Mobile have like an oil spill in your tank or something  ------------- Sure you are, you are Crappy Reef Club Member #1 -Chk4tix 6 gal nanocube 65 gal http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78639&title=tims-65-gallon-build" rel="nofollow - build thread |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 3:52pm
Shhhh, don't tell people that. It is better when they think I don't know what I'm talking about.
 Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: cl2ysta1
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 6:29pm
well we have all of our systems running together now... about 700 gallons total. five gallons is just a dent ;) plus we are running a g-6!!!
  ------------- I <3 Boxers Achilles tang lover |
Posted By: superman1981
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 6:57pm
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700 Gallons! So is that going to be 1600 gallons soon, or is at all going into the 900? Either way, I'm jealous...
------------- Sure you are, you are Crappy Reef Club Member #1 -Chk4tix 6 gal nanocube 65 gal http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78639&title=tims-65-gallon-build" rel="nofollow - build thread |
Posted By: MadReefer
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 7:23pm
| I think skimming is overrated. But I doubt that a clam can get close to what a skimmer does. Some systems need the skimmer because there is not enough live filtration for removal of excess nutrients. |
Posted By: Sculpin
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 8:24pm
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It's funny you guys are discussing this because last night on another forum (I think saltwaterfish.com) they were discussing the benefits of using warm water quahog clams in there refugium. Seems like it's a mixed bag after reading a bit about it but an interesting idea. I guess you can get them for cheap too.
I just bought my second clam today, and am looking forward to how they do. Sculpin |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 8:55pm
I think clams are overrated.
Mike ------------- |
Posted By: cl2ysta1
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 10:28pm
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[QUOTE=superman1981]700 Gallons! So is that going to be 1600 gallons soon, or is at all going into the 900? Either way, I'm jealous... [/QUOTE
actually more. we are keeping the two frag tanks, but adding a hopefully 1000 gallon lagoon in addition to the 900g display! ------------- I <3 Boxers Achilles tang lover |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 11:10pm
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After reading this thread I have to announce I have created the Worlds Best Skimmer...
They go on sale Jan. 1 and will retail for $2,000.00
Here is a picture of the prototype (patent protected):
 ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Aquaristnewbie
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 11:15pm
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I think skimmers are an accessory. Unless your tank is overstocked I don't think you need one. And if you do need it you probably have a sweet a** tank. ------------- 150 gallon Reef Millcreek Utah |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: September 24 2008 at 7:32am
That is just sick and wrong.
 I can't believe you posted that on a family website.Mike ------------- |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: September 24 2008 at 6:19pm
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Now don't you go steal my idea for a " ASM G4 Gigas " skimmer, Mike
------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 24 2008 at 9:53pm
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It appears that there is no disagreement that a clam eats many of the organics that a skimmer is meant to remove. I have seen, and contributed my voice to the many statements here to the effect that there are many ways to do a reef tank. I have also seen a tank that was cleaned up by a clam whereas the skimmer had absolutely no effect. Certainly a skimmer could still find organics to remove even with a number of the most massive of clams, but I believe everyone can acknowledge that a tank with clam(s) and no skimmer can do beautifully. If you are still skeptical then I challenge you to try it and discover for yourself.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: KMastin
Date Posted: September 24 2008 at 10:14pm
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What about oysters?
------------- Kathy Mastin |
Posted By: john hill
Date Posted: September 24 2008 at 10:43pm
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I love oyster ------------- out with the large and in with the nano |
Posted By: Sculpin
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 2:05am
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MMMM oysters. I don't really like them chilled but a good smoked oyster on a ritz cracker, now thats a snack. Though I hardly see what that has to do with filtration Kmastin.
Sculpin |
Posted By: Suzy
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 6:54am
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Thanks, Mark! I have a skimmer but it doesn't pull out much skimmate. I thought it was because I had left it too dirty for too long, but now I think it is because my DOC level is low. Thanks for clearing that up! ------------- http://www.suzysreef.com - SuzysReef.com http://z4.invisionfree.com/UtahBreeder/index.php?showtopic=11&st=0&#last - Using Macroalgae for Aquascaping |
Posted By: KMastin
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 8:35am
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I had a finger leather that died, its base happened to be a 4 inch live oyster. Which has been living in my refugium for more than a year. I just wondered if it was helping with the filtration any.
------------- Kathy Mastin |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 11:39am
Does the oyster look like this Spiny Oyster? I loved this guy. May it rest in peace. 
 Oysters are Bivalves.
All Bivalves filter the water.
Coral are actually filtering the water too.
When you look at a reef, the polluters are mostly just the fish and everything else filters the water.
Algae is an excellent filter mechanism, reducing Ammonia and all the N compounds.
Feather dusters filter single celled algae for their food.
I'll post the pics of why I know clams are excellent filter mechanisms.
This is when the skimmer had been operating a week with no decrease in phytoplankton density, no skimmate collected in the cup...
 Within about two weeks of taking the pic above (end of July), a friend gave me a large clam and a few coral. The pic below was taken 2 days after the clam entered the tank.
Whoops, I posted the wrong pic. I'll insert the right one here when I can find it. Pic dated August 14 2004
 This pic was taken 2 months later in October 2004
 ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: bbauman
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 11:50am
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Mark - Do you think it's possible that any other changes made could have helped as well? Time?, I see rock was moved?, and lights were added? That was a big clam, I remember seeing it when I visited your house the first time. For a second there I thought the bottom tank was your new tank because of the lights you had hung over the 75. I know you used them for the new tank. Anyway, just trying to ask some questions and see what you thought. ------------- 28g Cube http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=23030" rel="nofollow - Beginners Guide to Saltwater Aquariums Brandon in West Jordan |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 11:53am
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Mark thinks the clam ate the phyto. I'm not convinced clams even eat phyto.
I don't believe it. I'm thinking it's remotely possible that just one or two rotifers made it into the tank.
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: EagleEyez5
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 4:38pm
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I agree with bbauman, there look to be many factors in your 'experiment' that could have changed the outcome. Just a few things that I noticed, there appears to be a major change in the setup, such as the rockwork as before mentioned as well as the lights. It also appears that the skimmer was removed....to test your theory, are you sure that you had the skimmer working properly before making the changes. Also, there appears to be some sort of overflow attached to the tank in the second picture, is this plumbed to a sump with macro in it?.....I am sorry to be skeptical, but it appears that a lot more than just two weeks had transpired between the pictures...I agree with posting your own results of an experiment, but if you are going to state them as facts, there needs to be a controlled experiment where only one variable is changed....it seems your 'experiment' has had many factors changed, and to state that only one of those factors caused the results you wanted is just not scientific proof....
While I do believe that a clam helps to reduce dissolved elements in the tank such as phosphate and nitrate, I will not state it as a fact, due to the fact that I have not run a CONTROLLED experiment to prove my hypothesis... ------------- http://www.highendcorals.com/"> 
WMAS PAID SPONSOR |
Posted By: john hill
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 5:30pm
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my skimmer did work alot better before i got my clams i have be messing with it for a year now maybe there is something to be said about clams ------------- out with the large and in with the nano |
Posted By: dew2loud1
Date Posted: September 25 2008 at 11:11pm
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All bivalves are efficient filter feeders, thus their niche in nature, in an unskimmed system I'm sure they have a marked role in the filtering of the tank. I think a lot of these concerns and general knowledge of skimmers is based on old technology, the skimmer in that picture is an outdated and inefficient model. Skimmers have come a long way not only in the last ten years but in the last year alone the technology has vastly improved. That being said though there are a hundred ways to run a reef tank and all can work equally well in many systems. But I don't doubt that skimmer couldn't clear a tank, it is well suited for a tank below 20 gallons if that IMO. I have seen several instances where clams have cleared phyto blooms in peoples systems, but this method is hardly a complete one.... |
Posted By: bbauman
Date Posted: September 26 2008 at 1:36am
What do you mean by "unskimmed system"? Don't get me wrong but isn't that what ocean waves constantly making a frothy sea foam and washing it on a beach is? I'm not saying that's all there is to it, but even nature uses it's own "protein skimmer".  Man, I'm just a dumb guy trying to sound smart like Adam Blundell so just laugh at me if I'm wrong. ------------- 28g Cube http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=23030" rel="nofollow - Beginners Guide to Saltwater Aquariums Brandon in West Jordan |
Posted By: dew2loud1
Date Posted: September 26 2008 at 6:53am
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you quoted part of my sentence, read on I should have used a period... The ocean has efficient means of removing wastes, ie beaches...balanced system etc.... I was saying in an unskimmed system (meaning aquarium) they most likely have a marked role in filtering the tank. |
Posted By: bbauman
Date Posted: September 26 2008 at 10:32am
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Ok that's more clear thanks. ------------- 28g Cube http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=23030" rel="nofollow - Beginners Guide to Saltwater Aquariums Brandon in West Jordan |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 26 2008 at 7:36pm
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Whoops, you are right that's a pic from about a month or two later. Yes that is one of the older less efficient skimmers, but a good skimmer nonetheless. I know how to setup skimmers and even after a week it had not found enough skimmate to wet a dog. I need to make a confession here. I honestly believe that comparing the skimmer to the ocean froth swept up on shore just doesn't fly far with me. Have you ever thought about the possibility that the tide comes back in and washes most of that skimmate back out to sea.  I have seen how rotifers can clear phytoplankton. When it's done you have a tank full of rotifers. There were no rotifers left over when the plankton cleared. I looked for them. And the tank cleared much quicker than it would have with the introduction of a few rotifers. This was not an experiment. There was no hypothesis and no control. It is simply an observation. And nothing much was changed except the removal of some rock because the new clam and brain needed space. I know I'm going against the grain of what the experts have been saying for the last few years. Indeed, the experts changed their tune a few years ago. Where they used to say that all clams did best with phyto, now they say that only juveniles need phyto. That may be true, I don't know for sure, but I know what I saw. That large Squamosa ate the phytoplankton and cleared the water within 2 days.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 26 2008 at 10:10pm
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I honestly believe that comparing the skimmer to the ocean froth swept up on shore just doesn't fly far with me
Me too.
That large Squamosa ate the phytoplankton and cleared the water within 2 days
I half way agree. I'll believe it cleared the water in 2 days. I'm just not ready to say that it ate the phytoplankton.
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: bannshy
Date Posted: September 26 2008 at 10:39pm
| so Adam are you saying the clam ate the nutriants that the phyto was using to live? |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 27 2008 at 9:34am
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I think what Adam may also be saying is that it filtered the phyto out of the water but then discarded it as waste in little clumps of mucous so it could easily be seen and eaten by other organisms like fish, hermits, pods, etc.
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: September 27 2008 at 10:08am
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Bingo!
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |