Does anyone keep bivalves/ mussels/ clams for Freshwater??

[Autumnsky]

Newbie here and love shrimp too...

I was at a LFS and fell in love with a gorgeous saltwater clam, but dont think I have enough time and money to get involved in a whole seperate catagory of creature keeping, so I was thinking of freshwater ones probably not as pretty but maybe interesting. Anyone have any experiences??? Something scavenged from a nearby lake or stream??? Maybe an actual supplier? I was thinking of doing some research and maybe going to an Asian market where they keep live clams and muscles. (BTW I wouldn't be letting go any crazy non native or grocery store creatures into the local waterways)

 

[GodFan]

Golden clams are a species you can buy at some LFS and live aquaria. They are cool. I have heard of difficulties feeding them but spot feeding seems to work. I am going to eventually break down and get one for my 5 gallon. They also can foul the water up easily if they die because they can be hard to find.

 

[Autumnsky]

I haven't been able to find anything in a LFS, maybe online, let me know what you get. I am getting a new tank this week so i could use one of my smaller ones for a special project...

 

[Autumnsky]

I am thinking of finding some in local lake area and try it out. I have lots to learn about but i love planning, kind of a live science experiment.

 

[GodFan]

Be careful with local species as you never know what they carry with them. Liveaquria is online and I know they have them. I will probably get one of them from my LFS since it is really my only choice lol

 

[Autumnsky]

Point well taken, I have been really lucky scooping stuff in the past (ignorance and youth is bliss) but I have heard some big horror stories, it is best to be careful. Maybe online then. Thanks.

 

[GodFan]

No problem. I know people do it but Im to scared to lol

 

[aquaponicpaw]

There is a seller on eBay. Word of caution though: because they are filter feeders it is best to keep them in a tank with a small current and without mechanical filtration. Otherwise they will starve to death