I am new to goldfish but, have had some early success breeding in my two outdoor 150 gallon rubbermaid stock tanks. I have added snails to lower the tank side alge and UV equipment to lower the suspended water alge.

Is adding clams to improve water quality a good idea? I know they would use the goldfish as hosts when reproducing and I don't know if this would harm the fish. I like the idea of clams as a natural solution for improved water quality but, at the same time, I do not want to hurt the goldfish.

Your help in the past has been invaluable... your guidence is appreciated!

Best regards,

Clayton

I don't think that clams are good in a fish environment.

Clams (Pelecypoda) have two hinged hard plates. Water (with food and oxygen) comes in one opening or siphon and goes out a second siphon (with wastes). A hatchet foot keeps adults anchored in mud or sand. Clam embryos develop inside the clam. The larvae of fresh water clams cling to the gills or fins of fish as parasites. This can harm stressed fish. Freshwater clams are also called mussels.

Courtesy of: http://www.fishpondinfo.com/snail.htm#clam

Thank you for your response. I was worried about their effect on the goldfish. I guess I best not use them in my tank.

Thanks again,

Clayton