Fresh Water/ Tropical Mussles In Filtration

[Space_monkey]

Hi, im currently using a Juwel Rekord 120L tank, I like to use as natural materials in my tank as possible.

I currently have one fresh water GOLDEN MUSSEL. Clearly one mussle, while helpful, has little effect on the nitrogen and nitrate content in the tank. It occured to me that several, if placed onto the top of the Juwel filtration pad compartment where water is drawn down to the bottom of the filter before being brought back up and back into the tank.

The problem is, will the mussle(s) tolerate the vibrations caused by the proximity of the motor as it displaces water and draws it through the filter pads. And it this does not cause it distress, can it tolerate prolonged peroids of darkness with the lid on the top of the filter. If you are unsure which filter system i am refering to see http/www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/filter_full.htm

Obviously, mussle tolerances vary from specie to specie. Some may be used to low light or no light conditions.

I have observed that the mussle is most active when surrounded with filthy substraight, especially when upright on its back or during night peroids.

Please send your thoughts or experiances...

 

[three-fingers]

Afraid using mussels in filters really doesn't work. Apart from maybe on big ponds with green water.

The mussel will just starve to death over a long period of time, and eventually when it dies it will pollute the water.

To keep a mussel, you need either a tank with very green water, or to target feed it. IMO, while most people probably wont see this, even if it was to get enough food - keeping a mussel in your filter would be cruel, as they like to dig around in the substrate.

Read these posts : freshwater mussels, freshwater mussels and clams, freshwater mussels and clams 2 and freshwater mussels and clams 3.