Are Mussels Reef Safe?

[MikeyNYC]

I purchased a zoa's colony that was mounted to a shell, completely covered. Turns out it was a mussel, and it's alive. Are mussels reef safe, and do I have to worry about it releasing anything into the water?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Paul B]

Mussels are reef safe unfortunately it will starve in a couple of weeks.
Unless your tank is full of particulate matter or plankton he is doomed, sorry

 

[crox99]

It is common to have a little mussel or an oyster as a hitchhiker but like Paul said it will starve in a few weeks.

 

[MikeyNYC]

I have had it the tank since April, so hopefully it will defy all odds and survive. I planned on incorporating phyto into my daily routine, just another reason to go ahead with that. Thanks for the feedbacks gents. Mike

 

[marrone]

I've had mussels and small clams in my tank for years. Some have actually grown quite a bite, and that's with no feeding.

 

[scumonkey]

I have some as well- going on 10 months now for the mussels!

 

[drperetz]

...

I had an oyster live in my tank for about 1.5 years and he died due to my cause not starvation....

 

[DonCisco]

I have a lovely red scallop for over a year... and is still doing great.

 

[NYreefNoob]

mussel

ive had my scallop for 9 months and a a mussel i think it is for 6 now, i feed heavy though

 

[e.muehlbauer]

I have had small mussels that came attached to live rock as hitchikers, and they have lived for years...in fact, I think they are still alive now. I have also had oysters last for years...one is hidden in a cluster of mushrooms and zoe's, andone year I accidentally broke off its front half. It actually survived, grew back, and is still alive now. I only wish my other tank inhabitants were as hardy! I do feed phyto almost every day, alternating ESV, 2 little Fishies, and Kent...take care, Eric