aquarium with molluscs only

Question
I am accustomed to using flow-through tanks that are connected to a pipe to pump up water directly from the bay. Recently, I was forced to use a normal saltwater tank so that I can keep the water cooler for experiments involving clams and predatory gastropod. I can still use fresh ocean water collected from the tidal flats. How often should I change the water in the tanks? Can I prolong this time by using filters, skimmers, and/or live sand?

Answer
Hi Dana,

For experimentation purposes, perhaps you would be fine with gravel-filtered or sand filtered water.

However as you know, using more filtration apparatus will help prolong water changes, but it might alter certain experiments; for example if you were to examine the impact of turbulence on the chemosensory responses of gastropods.

Regards,
Dave

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