Make sure you rinse your substrate (sand) off before adding it to the tank, especially if you’ve taken it from a natural environment. You want a nice, fine substrate, something with a grain size between 1 to 3mm. [2] X Research source

Freshwater puffers, some catfish species, and loaches will all eat clams if they get hungry enough, so it is best to keep them in separate tanks. [3] X Research source

1/3 pound red meat (hamburger, beef liver, beef heart) OR Fish with Roe Beef Blood (drippings from beef package) 1 tsp Cod Liver Oil ¼ tsp Yeast 2-3 tablespoons water from the aquarium the clams live in.

Poke 10-20 holes in a clean, single serving applesauce container. Place 2-3 clams (depending on size) into the container. Cover them in sand so that the tops are still visible at the top. Place the container at the bottom of your tank, removing it with your clams whenever you need to check on them. [4] X Research source

Dead clams also have a rank, fishy odor. If you are unsure if a clam is dead, try making a small, separate “maintenance tank. " Feed them and provide a nice, sandy bottom and see if they begin to react after 4-5 days. [5] X Research source

Saltwater clams go by the names T. (Tridacna) maxima, T. crocea, T. squamosa and T. derasa. Tridacna derasa clams are the best beginner options, as they are hearty and can handle a variety of changing conditions. Once you’ve successfully put several fish in the tank and let them spend several weeks living healthily, you’re likely ready for clams. [6] X Research source

When you put the clam in the tank, turn it upside-down briefly to remove any air bubbles from inside the clam. Make sure that the clams aren’t wedged into anything the prevents them from opening up.

Make sure the clams face upwards, and are not blocked from their light source. Maxima clams, in particular, need 250 - 400 watt Metal Halide lighting or equivalent intensity to survive. [8] X Research source

Dead clams release a burst of ammonia, which can endanger the rest of the life in your tank. [10] X Research source