This is a thread on Freshwater Mussels that started as an off-topic discussion in another thread.
This is a thread on Freshwater Mussels that started as an off-topic discussion in another thread.
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer
www.microponics.net.au - for candid dialogue on integrated backyard food production.
www.urbanaquaponics.com.au - the home of the Online Urban Aquaponics Manual.
Does anyone know how well fresh water mussels do at cleaning out suspended solids as they are filter feeders?
Hi,
While I'm aware of a few attempts at growing freshwater mussels, most of them seem to lapse eventually. Although, as you've pointed out, they are filter feeders, the number that would could be kept in an AP system would not be able to remove all of the solids from the system.....even if it was fairly modestly stocked.Does anyone know how well fresh water mussels do at cleaning out suspended solids as they are filter feeders?
Gary
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer
www.microponics.net.au - for candid dialogue on integrated backyard food production.
www.urbanaquaponics.com.au - the home of the Online Urban Aquaponics Manual.
Mussels are great for water polishing. I have a couple of hundred in my system. But when you throw some into a seperate tank connected into the system you see how much they can affect the water quality.
They might be.....but only in conjunction with other solids removal strategies.Mussels are great for water polishing.
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer
www.microponics.net.au - for candid dialogue on integrated backyard food production.
www.urbanaquaponics.com.au - the home of the Online Urban Aquaponics Manual.
I delivered some grow beds to Steve at Otway Yabbies last week. He has a few trays of mussels in some of his yabby tanks to help with water filtration. The water looks VERY clear. Under each tray tho was a very fine deposit of solids almost like powder. He just siphons this out every now and then as it gathers in one spot.
So yes, they help with filtration but would need to be part of an overall solids removal strategy as Gary says.
Darren
www.aussieaquaponics.com
I understand that they are not the primary filter system, but they would help from what folk like Duff & Aussieap are saying.
It would also add to the menue!
Why there is a small buildup on the bottom of these tanks is mussels and yabbies have a flocking quality that helps the particles settle.
While I haven't eaten them myself, I've heard other people say that they aren't all that good to eat. Perhaps others here may have tried them and might want to venture an opinion.It would also add to the menue!
Gary
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer
www.microponics.net.au - for candid dialogue on integrated backyard food production.
www.urbanaquaponics.com.au - the home of the Online Urban Aquaponics Manual.
If you dont eat them, you could always feed some to your fish. Jade & silver perch, barra and sleepy cod would all enjoy as a treat.
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