How to Keep a Cherrystone Clam in a Saltwater Aquarium

Clams are intriguing coral reef invertebrates. The term ̶0;cherrystone̶1; refers to the size of the clam, and about six to 10 of them will weigh a pound. These creatures are slow-growing, do not encroach on other invertebrate animals in an aquarium and provide a number of benefits. Cherrystone clams are filter feeders that absorb ammonia, nitrites and nitrates from aquariums and will thereby keep toxic organic waste levels very low in your tank. These clams need a moderate to high water flow that will bring their food to them. Cherrystone clams also need high levels of dissolved calcium to develop healthy shells.

Things You'll Need

  • 60-gallon aquarium
  • Pre-cut sheet of Styrofoam
  • Aquarium stand
  • Solid work surface (optional)
  • Natural sea water (optional)
  • Aquarium chlorine neutralizer
  • Synthetic sea salt
  • Glass or plastic rod
  • Two power heads
  • Hydrometer
  • Canister filter
  • Filter floss
  • Pouch of activated carbon
  • Bio balls
  • Pre-washed aragonite or similar sea sand
  • Newly hatched brine shrimp
  • Aquarium calcium supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a pre-cut sheet of Styrofoam on an aquarium stand or solid work surface. Position a 60-gallon aquarium on the Styrofoam to compensate for any minor inconsistencies on the surface on which the aquarium is resting.

    • 2

      Fill the aquarium with sea water.

    • 3

      Make up a synthetic sea water mix as an alternative to using natural ocean water. To do this, fill the aquarium with tap water and add six teaspoons of aquarium chlorine neutralizer. Add 30 cups of synthetic sea salt to the aquarium. Pour the salt in slowly and mix vigorously with a glass or plastic rod. Use a hygrometer to check the specific gravity of the water, which must be 1.025. Add more water if the specific gravity is too high and add more salt if it is too low.

    • 4

      Place a power head on either side of the aquarium. Plug the power heads into a power source and turn them on. The power heads will circulate the aquarium water and bring food particles to the clams.

    • 5

      Open the lid of a canister filter and place a thick wad of filter floss into the bottom of the filter. Place a pouch of activated carbon on top of the filter floss and fill the rest of the canister filter with plastic bio balls.

    • 6

      Place a 2-inch thick layer of pre-washed aragonite or other fine grain sea sand on the bottom of the aquarium. Clams use their foot to bury into the substrate.

    • 7

      Place your cherrystone clams on the soft sand substrate and leave them to establish a foothold in the aragonite sand.

    • 8

      Add newly hatched brine shrimp to the aquarium twice daily. Add sufficient quantities of brine shrimp for the clams to filter feed throughout the day. The clam̵7;s tube-like neck will pump the aquarium water and brine shrimp through its body. Brine shrimp are available from your local aquatic dealer.

    • 9

      Add an aquarium calcium supplement, as per instructions of your specific brand, to the aquarium on a weekly basis.