Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

Anthony Braunstein - 6 years ago

How old is your clam

chase odom - 6 years ago

Are they beginner friendly?

eroggero - 6 years ago

What kind of levels do they prefer ?

MileHighReefers - 6 years ago

If your managing CA and ALK they are very beginner friendly.

Jumah Campbell - 6 years ago

How many clownfish live in your tank?

Edit: he states it right in the video. Four. SCREW ME AMIRIGHT

Also now I want a clam when I have a saltwater aquarium.

Josh The Millennial Reefer - 6 years ago

This makes me want a clam :)

Thomas Gionet - 6 years ago

Got me a 3" Ultra Maxima today

Randall Greenly - 7 years ago

Do you think one would fit in a 32gal?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

It will fit for a while. You can always trade it in when it gets big.

Mike Johnson - 7 years ago

Beautiful tank

ReefRealEstate - 7 years ago

Hey Scott, subscribed to your channel, please have a look at mine and help out the little guy, cheers, would appreciate the sub! Great video! Agree completely.

Bill Mayhew - 7 years ago

I love them. They are sensitive though. Everything you said is right but they are not as easy as all that to keep. Never had clownfish like it much, but they had other places they were used to. Scallops are great too and the electric ones are awesome but also hard to keep.

10. comment for Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

Joshua Rice - 7 years ago

Got a squamosa coming for my tank next week can't wait.

Nicks World - 7 years ago

Will a clam keep growing no matter what or do they stop if they run out of space. I'm asking because there is no way that one will fit in my 30g biocube at that size, if not could you tell me what clam wouldn't grow that big

From The Ashes We Will Rise - 7 years ago

Im getting a 40g Reefer Tank. Just need some live rock, coral and a good light.

Joshua Estis - 7 years ago

Can I eat the clam o.O?

Reeferdude DK - 7 years ago

I really want a clam in the tank. But Im affraid to add one, cause I got a copperband and a flame angel. Would you give it a try, or is it doomed?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Its always a risk. I'd personally error on the side of caution here.

abinder3 - 7 years ago

Clown fish do not 'host'. Whatever they stay around/in 'hosts' the clown fish; not the other way around.

Terry Runyon - 7 years ago

I have a 120 gallon 5'x18x26 saltwater tank. I'd love my tank to look like a smaller version of yours!

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! its a lot of work but so worth it.

Werty Wertz - 7 years ago

Could I keep one of these in a 60 gallon with a Snowflake eel?

AlphaBrolofsky - 7 years ago

I bet this isn't the only clam this man keeps happy

xscriberx - 7 years ago

I thought clams don't like to be kept on the sand bed and prefer rock structures

20. comment for Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

Ash Greninja MLG pro gamer - 7 years ago

Hey i know this video is kinda old but i was wondering if i could put a sqmosa clam in my 125 6 foot long tank? I really want one thanks!

Fishman - 7 years ago

I've had one in one of my tanks for about the same time as your's. I find on that tank when I clean the glass it filters all of the free floating debris in short order

Rusty Alegre - 7 years ago

clownfish lay eggs on that tank???? WOW!

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They do it every two weeks or so. Its a very cool thing to watch.

Laura Holmes - 7 years ago

That tank's gotta cost at least half of what you spent on your whole house. Beautiful though. Damn. I've got an 8 inch squamosa that's gone through so many tank crashes, it's a strong mother. My clown hosts it too. Love it. Great video, man!

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Its a bit pricy, but so worth it. Squamosa clams are so tuff I'm really impressed with them.

R C - 7 years ago

arent those "feather dusters" just tube worms? great tank and vid btw.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They're feather dusters. They came in with the live rock I started my 29 with 11 years ago and just keep hanging around.

Sadkhawari Chickenboy313 - 7 years ago

Also is keeping clams difficult?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

For the most part no. If your reef is thriving there's a good chance a clam would do well.

Sadkhawari Chickenboy313 - 7 years ago

I just got a 32 gallon biocube, so it there any clams that grow big not so big that it can take a lot of space in my tank?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

I think they might all grow too big. You might buy one, keep it a few years and trade it in when it gets too big.

xxSvetlanaaxx - 7 years ago

what am I doing here? I dont even have a tank but great video btw

J.I.Corpuz - 6 years ago

xxSvetlanaaxx hi rap monster

shrey S - 7 years ago

will u grow up your clownfish eggs??

Eric Juarez - 6 years ago

Just wondering, what do you do with the clownfish eggs? : O

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

No its so much work. Some day when I have time, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Chris Hedrick - 7 years ago

i am a huge fan to you channel. im intrested in getting a clam but not sure what kind to get for my tank. i currently have a 75 gall display tank with a 55 gal sump. i run xho leds on my tank and get good groth from my stony corals and a toldstool and kenya trees, i have a dimmer switch on them so i can change the intensity level of the lights throughout the day. keep up the great videos and info and hope my tank gets to be as great as yours. i been building my tank from mainly frags

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! crocea clams are smaller but if your willing to dedicate the space a squamosal or maxima would also do well in your tank. If it grows to big you can always trade it in.

30. comment for Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

TrIx Kane - 7 years ago

I'm opposed with one problem for getting one of these. THEY GET WAY TO BIG AND I ONLY HAVE A 10 gallon but I would love to have one

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

LOL they do indeed.

Jeremiah Holland - 7 years ago

is there any kind of clans that will fit in 10 gallon tanks

Ronnie Santo - 7 years ago

Jeremiah Holland real talk, id steer clear of claMs with a 10g they get way too big

beautytryouts - 7 years ago

Ronnie Santo

Alonzo Soto - 7 years ago

Ronnie Santo lmaoooo

Ronnie Santo - 7 years ago

Jeremiah Holland yes the klu klux

Richard Don - 7 years ago

this tank is gorgeous can't imagine all the money and time it took it to get this way it's a perfect ecosystem you made fantastic job!!!

Richard Don - 7 years ago

MileHighReefers lmaooooooooo I bet btw his much was the clam did you get him the size he was in the video or was he smaller

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! I could have a pretty nice car for what I spent on my tank, but that's not near as much fun.

Ashish Patel - 7 years ago

I think its awesome your clowns host the clam.. My dersea clam after growing 10" endedup becoming lunch for my brittle starfish when I decided to remove most of the sand in the tank. The clowns by now have surely protected the clam for any possible good gone bad critters! right on!

Joaquin Fernandez - 7 years ago

I no longer have a reef, got tired of the never ending expence.

Richard Don - 7 years ago

Joaquin Fernandez did you give your reef to someone who will love it like you did

Joe Mendoza - 7 years ago

Beautiful tank.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Kareem Borrego - 7 years ago

Where can you purchase one of these clams

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They're available at most local stores or any online retailer.

Sabrina - 7 years ago

Absolutely beautiful. I'm still a beginner with fresh water tank. I have less than one year of experience as an aquarist. My fish are doing well and my chemical levels are well managed :). I'm glad and excited to see I have the potential to work up to something as breathtaking as your tank. Saltwater reef ecosystem is still years away from me :P.

i Police - 7 years ago

when it spawning, will your tank .. tank?

i Police - 7 years ago

A SAL i have seen these in the wild, when they blow their "load" a massive stream of spawn comes out. I wonder if an aquarium can handle it

Am SAL - 7 years ago

i Police what do you mean???

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

That is possible. I have a lot of water volume and a huge skimmer but that may not be enough. Hopefully its not a problem.

Abigail Idle - 7 years ago

Where do I buy one from? My local shops don't do them I don't believe.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Most online retailers have them. Its worth checking your local stores, I always like to see what I'm buying in person.

Michigan fan - 7 years ago

gave up on maximum clams and just doing derosa tiger and a reg

Michigan fan - 7 years ago

im trying a captive bred one this time actually i picked 2 up for 90 bucks

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

That will be really cool if you can bred them. I hope it works out.

Michigan fan - 7 years ago

i have to have one in my tank

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They're really cool.

Michigan fan - 7 years ago

everytime ive had one die i have a alage outbreak

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Sorry for your loss. They can be difficult at times. It might be worth trying a different species.

LAking-1 - 7 years ago

what lights do you have on your tank? I really like how it looks like more natural day light compared to other tanks that look all blue or purple. or is that just like a setting that you have it on?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

I have T5s and LEDs. The LEDs are Giesemann Tezla and the T5s are ATI blue plus bulbs. When the T5s are on the tank is pretty blue. Depending on the lights you get you can change the color temp thorough out the day with I really like.

Wael Binali - 7 years ago

How long should a tank be established before adding a clam? I have a 90 gallon tank.

Wael Binali - 7 years ago

My tank has been up for about 9 to 10 months now :) Perfect, I'll be on the lookout for one from today! Smaller one of course.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Once its fully cycled the clam will probably do just fine. I personally would take my time and wait for the tank to establish a little more. 3-6 months is probably ideal.

coolz203 - 7 years ago

Do you purposely breed yourclownfish

SpaghettiKillah - 7 years ago

MileHighReefers where they ever able to raise their fry to adulthood in your tank? Or they all die for some reason?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

I don't. They do their thing and I don't try to raise the fry.

DomBomDotCom - 7 years ago

fish don't host clams or anemones its the other way around. clam/anemone host clownfish

cedpatin - 7 years ago

someone told me no leather with sps. bet you don't agree

cedpatin - 7 years ago

good to know man ty !! love your tank and your knowledge for real

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

cedpatin I haven't really had a problem with it. They can release toxins that can stress SPS. I run carbon and it isn't really a problem.

darthweezy - 7 years ago

The clowns living in the clam is the coolest thing I've seen in nearly 40 years of marine aquarium keeping! Gorgeous aquarium!

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

50. comment for Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

LT Parkey - 7 years ago

consider writing a script for your video

LT Parkey - 7 years ago

that is interesting. I found your occasional word stumbling sort of annoying. that's it.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Its interesting, people constantly complain I'm too scripted. I do all my videos a little differently depending on the time available and the effect I'm trying to achieve. I'm constantly trying to improve my video quality and eventually I may need to go to more of a scripted format.

officialcrimdelta - 7 years ago

Great video!

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks,

Laura Holmes - 7 years ago

My 55gal tank has been without a sump for over a year and the only things other then fish I have in the tank are 2 square feet of green star polyps and an 8 inch squamosa and I think these are how my tank is surviving without a filter. Your tank is beautiful man.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

That sounds like an awesome tank!

colinbarsby - 7 years ago

Great video.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Brian - 7 years ago

That clam is huge!!!

Brian - 7 years ago

MileHighReefers love your channel. Made me get back into the hobby.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Ahmed Rasoul - 7 years ago

is it aptasia which sticking on the clam?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

I think what your seeing are feather duster worms. They're not really a problem unless they get out of control. I do still have an aptasia problem in the tank that I continue to battle.

Phillip Owens - 7 years ago

About how much does these clams cost? What kind of lights do you need?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Mine was about $50. For lights any good LEds,T5s or metal halides will work.

wcdeich4 - 7 years ago

What do they take out of the water? I thought it was just filter feeding on microbes & absorbing calcium & alkalinity. What "waste" do they absorb?

Reckless Reefer - 7 years ago

I bought a clam yesterday....you convinced me...well played. It looks more like a maxima clam, so hoping I can do a good job on keeping it healthy and alive...

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They are a really cool addition. Congrats on your new clam!

TheGrowShow420 - 7 years ago

I'm always joining in on the intro. You should change it up, it'd really throw us off haha! Great vid.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

LOL, I have been wanting to change the intro to something shorter and more up to date I might confuse a lot of people.

The Hutch - 7 years ago

not the person I was a expecting

Julia Rizzi - 7 years ago

Your tank

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

keith binion - 7 years ago

your reef is just amazing.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Phebe's Aquarium - 7 years ago

Nice video, thanks for sharing.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

No problem thanks for watching!

Coral Kid - 7 years ago

Do clownfish prefer the clam over the anemones?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Mine do but they might be weird.

jtt4chem - 7 years ago

Thanks for the video. Just got a small derasa clam yesterday and I am hoping for the best. I tried a maxima clam a couple years ago, but that didn't end so well. Your tank is looking awesome by the way.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Derasa are really hardy you should have better luck.

The New School Old School Gamer! - 7 years ago

are any of your clownfish in your tank wild caught?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They are all tank bred. With clowns its defiantly the way to go.

PsychedelicBabe - 7 years ago

Clams are so pretty indeed I can't wait to upgrade so I can get one .... footage was awesome it was so clear and beautiful

SweatyReef - 7 years ago

When I look at your tank I see all these irregular shapes and colors , then this ball, a near perfect circle, looks like a kid dropped a ball in there. Also I don't think I ever knew that was a clam over there, so cool. I want a clam. working on it :)

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! Clams are great.

Shaun Spiteri - 7 years ago

my clowns do the same thing I've been stressed that there doing it harm how long have yours done it for?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Mine have been doing it for a couple of years. They have an anemone but they don't care about it they love the clam.

Scarredninja - 7 years ago

Could you give me the link or name to the video that you show that has a rundown of all your fish in your 210. I wish i had a tank like this. This tank is amazing.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! here's the video. https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=mumbzC93CxE

NW Marine62 - 7 years ago

Scott, Your clam has really grown. nice coloring to it. they give sone nice benefits to your display I have a derasa which is now about 5".

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks man! Derasas are great especially for someone with a 300 gallon tank, They get so big.

Rad Perez - 7 years ago

Great video Scott, someday I will get one....

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks Rad!

Coralust Reef Solutions - 7 years ago

Clams are beautiful. You have a gorgeous tank.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks, its taken years but I'm really happy with wear its at.

Carey Gordon - 7 years ago

How big a tank do I need to get a clam for mine?

Carey Gordon - 7 years ago

Well I have a 55 Gal tank and I dont know if I can get a larger one. But thanks for the info..

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

I personally wouldn't keep one in a tank smaller than 40 gallons. Even then it might outgrow it. They can be kept in smaller tanks you'll just have to plan on trading it in eventually.

Hamza Razak - 7 years ago

What are your tank dimensions?

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

72x24x30

The All Knowing Ankylosaurus - 7 years ago

Do you think Squamosa clams would do alright in a tank as small as 40 gallons?

Wil Santiago Reefing - 7 years ago

Great video Scott! My next purchase will be a giant clam.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks man they're a great addition to the tank.

reef guy 92 - 7 years ago

is there a smaller clam for a smaller tank that's does the same sort of thing your clam does

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Crocea is your best bet, they're pretty hardy but don't get quite so big.

Gb J - 7 years ago

really cool

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Joe's Reef - 7 years ago

Is it better to get a larger clam or start off with a smaller one.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Really small clams may need some targeted feeding to meet their nutritional needs beyond that you will likely be successful with either.

Billy Pipes - 7 years ago

your new camera makes the video quality damn near 3D

arlosoft - 7 years ago

The link also didn't work for me, so I tinkered with the link and believe this should work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqUONxjzb-8

Jamie C - 7 years ago

MileHighReefers why wont the link load. id also like to know what lights you uses. your tank looks amazing.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks Billy! https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=RqUONxjzb-8

Christopher Hayes - 7 years ago

Great video. Keep up the good work! !

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Nicole Novo - 7 years ago

Wow your tank looks STUNNING! You look nice today also! :)

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks!

NATE VENOM - 7 years ago

Love your tank man! I'm in co springs and was hoping to get down to reef stock to meet you but work got in the way! :/ I've learned so much watching your channel and I appreciate the work you do!! I have a 40 gallon breeder reef tank that's looking good maybe one day I'll get a clam! Lol

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! its always great to hear from another CO reefer. Reefstock was great, I plan to be there next year. I hope to see you there.

carlos martinez - 7 years ago

Your Video looks so good super HD

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks! I'm loving that camera.

EDK ReefMeister - 7 years ago

I'm jealous of your reef. One day i'll be there :)

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks man, It's only taken me 11 years to get here.

Dee From Brooklyn - 7 years ago

if i could only get rid of the pyramid snails. .

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Ohh those suck. I've been lucky so far and haven't had them yet.

Rosco's Reef with Scott - 7 years ago

Great info Scott and I have always wanted to add one in my system. Do they soak up calcium a lot.

Rosco's Reef with Scott - 7 years ago

MileHighReefers thanks

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They use a lot of CA. I would guess its the biggest user of CA in my tank.

Jorge Torres - 7 years ago

nice info.. claims, are strong tho. my clam to has gone tru so many tank crashes I had before, and always survive

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks man! they are so tuff. I was scared of them when I first bought one now its probably the hardiest thing it the tank.

Bitter_Lemon - 7 years ago

can i please take a vacation in your tank

nathan hunt - 7 years ago

its a joke

Chaiwat Chouylai - 7 years ago

nathan hunt sharks don't eat fish that easily, they only eat when hunting time or it's hungry.

nathan hunt - 7 years ago

lol turns into shark and eats all your fish

rannekleiv - 7 years ago

Bitter_Lemon hello

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Yes you can. Shrink down to fish size and you can scuba all day long.

Inappropriate Reefer - 7 years ago

Great video and your clam is gorgeous. I plan on adding a squamosa to my tank as soon as I come across a nice specimen. =)

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks man! I love the squamosal. I've seen some blue ones but they where crazy spendy.

John Zimm - 7 years ago

What are the small verities, and how small are you talking...

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Crocea and maxima are probably your best bet 6-8 inches average but they can get bigger. Crocea by reputation are easy to take care of and not that big. Probably a good bet for any one with a smaller tank.

Bay Area Reefs - 7 years ago

Wow Scott the reef is looking really good nice and full

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks man! I love that clam.

gord oland - 7 years ago

Beautiful specimen you have in the DT. Didn't realize they were kinda hardy either.

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Thanks Gord! Mine have been really hardy. Maxima clams have the reputation of being kind of delicate, but everything else is pretty tuff.

Gt Muldowney - 7 years ago

How did you have success adding tangs in at separate times

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

I did put a video out on this it was a long struggle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZAkChQg2PA

Great Lakes Reefing - 7 years ago

Gt Muldowney he has a separate video about how he added them...more or less very carefully and lots of observation

Marcus Cardenas - 7 years ago

My first Derasa turns 1 in a couple of months =]

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

Congrats! they are great clams.

Milton English - 7 years ago

I got one in my 180.
I am hoping it takes off. so far so good

MileHighReefers - 7 years ago

They grow fast :)

Sociophobian - 7 years ago

Yayayayayayyayay

Sociophobian - 7 years ago

It's seems like it's been forever!

About Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank

The "Why You Need a Clam in A Reef Tank" video is part of the reef tank, salt water category, which contains similar videos like this one.