4 new clams from nemo's, 2 are crocea and 2 are maximas, all are 1 inch
- Thread starter frenchie
- Start date
I think keeping everyone posted this is a great idea.
In order to maximize your success, I highly suggest that you all utilize the feeding method I mentioned earlier. Once every 1-2 days place the clam in a small bowl of tank water with enough DTs to make the water green let them soak for about an hour. The clams will actually filter the water enough that it will turn clear in that time. I even do this for my big guys every once in a while.
There are several different recipes but practically everyone on the Clam Forum that has had success with small clams uses this method in one form or another.
jwalters103
Active member
i actually read on the clam forum last night where someone had posted something about this method being overly stressful and there was actually a chance of clogging the gills and killing the clam this way, although i have read numerous reports elsewhere that this feeding method was the way to go. im going to look into it a little more and see if its reasonable to think that this method could be detrimental.
either way, for the time being, mine is under 250w 20k coralvue mh lighting. im slowly reducing the amount of time im running the skimmer and im eventually going to remove the skimmer since this tank right now has 5 clams in it, one of which is one of those big gigas that they had at marine solutions
either way, for the time being, mine is under 250w 20k coralvue mh lighting. im slowly reducing the amount of time im running the skimmer and im eventually going to remove the skimmer since this tank right now has 5 clams in it, one of which is one of those big gigas that they had at marine solutions
jwalters103
Active member
heres a link if interested, but dont take this as gospel
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1076342
and if considering ordering clams, also check out
https://www.cappuccinobaylive.com/default.asp
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1076342
and if considering ordering clams, also check out
https://www.cappuccinobaylive.com/default.asp
I think moderation is always key. Like anything I suppose it's possible to feed too much, although I think it would take a lot live phytoplankton to clog the gills of an animal evolved to consume it.
However, I think the Fatheree mention in that thread is important to note. You have to be careful when making overall generalizations about different species. Although similar, a Maxima is different then a Crocea or a Squasmosa and they all have varying growth rates and needs, however illnoteable.
There are obvious stressors related to bowl feeding clams, although I don't believe the feeding itself is one of them. Unless of course your feeding the clam something it doesn't like. I would only recommend feeding live phytoplankton. Intuitively it makes the most sense (since that's what they feed on primarily in the wild) and its been utilized the most in the hobby. I wouldn't recommend using freeze dried phyto. The clams may gain some benefit from it when dosed in the tank but I wouldn't risk it with such high concentrations in a feeding bowl. It clumps, its dry, and it's dead. So, I imagine it could irritate a clams gills at high concentration. Tridacnid clams will not benefit from Cyclopeeze or oyster eggs these food items are too big for them to utilize. They feed on primarily phytoplankton and some bacteria.
I think the only true stressor is the constant moving of the animal. The clams I have either sit in the sand bed or are attached to a small piece of LR. I'm sure there are benefits to allowing them to attach to a solid hitch but I prefer not having to risk tearing their foot when moving or inspecting them for parasites. In order to minimize stress, I usually transfer them to the feeding bowl inside the tank. This way the clam never even leaves the water. I also leave the bowl propped up at the surface of the tank so that there is no temperature change while the clams are feeding.
Good Luck
However, I think the Fatheree mention in that thread is important to note. You have to be careful when making overall generalizations about different species. Although similar, a Maxima is different then a Crocea or a Squasmosa and they all have varying growth rates and needs, however illnoteable.
There are obvious stressors related to bowl feeding clams, although I don't believe the feeding itself is one of them. Unless of course your feeding the clam something it doesn't like. I would only recommend feeding live phytoplankton. Intuitively it makes the most sense (since that's what they feed on primarily in the wild) and its been utilized the most in the hobby. I wouldn't recommend using freeze dried phyto. The clams may gain some benefit from it when dosed in the tank but I wouldn't risk it with such high concentrations in a feeding bowl. It clumps, its dry, and it's dead. So, I imagine it could irritate a clams gills at high concentration. Tridacnid clams will not benefit from Cyclopeeze or oyster eggs these food items are too big for them to utilize. They feed on primarily phytoplankton and some bacteria.
I think the only true stressor is the constant moving of the animal. The clams I have either sit in the sand bed or are attached to a small piece of LR. I'm sure there are benefits to allowing them to attach to a solid hitch but I prefer not having to risk tearing their foot when moving or inspecting them for parasites. In order to minimize stress, I usually transfer them to the feeding bowl inside the tank. This way the clam never even leaves the water. I also leave the bowl propped up at the surface of the tank so that there is no temperature change while the clams are feeding.
Good Luck
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StupidsReef
Premium Member
Thanks again Reeferhead for all your input, it is greatly appreciated. I have mine in a 55g Non rr and turn off the skimmer that is feeding by maxijet for a few hours. There under 2 250w 14k MH and I will be feeding both phytoplankton as well as oyster eggs. Both DT's products. Normally I would NOT attempt such and test, But I've seen numbers of clams of all sizes not make it at this place, And I've seen that same amount either make it for a while or be purchased. Beings I know that their not going to such a effort to assure the little clams life I figured I'd give it a shot. However I do NOT condone such and action nor would I ever suggest to ANYONE to purchase such a small clam. As I know the more demand, the more the supply.
i would like to add a few things if you dont mind.
the common guide line of clams not being able to support them selves on light alone untill the are 3" or 4" in length is not correct. this guide line came about after Shimek wrote an article FOR DT's phytoplankton. if you read that article and then read the citations cited you will see that the article was crafted to make it look like clams will die if not feed phyotplankton. the citations tell a different story. within about 1 month of the end of the larval stage, the clams mantle is fully developed and is full of zoox and the clam can sustain its self on light alone. furthermore the size of the mantle is proportionate to the size of the clam throughout its life, so it not that the mantle surface area isn't enough to support the clam either. here is a study that was done on larval clams that were kept in micro filtered water and never allowed to receive any particulate, they did just fine on light alone http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0006-3185(198110)161:2<213:SDAAOZ>2.0.CO;2-N&size=LARGE
im not saying don't feed your clams. clams do filter to some extent, but they are physically limited, and the Croceas and Maximas you are talking about are physically limited to about a 90%/10% heterotrophic ability, the 90% being light.
i also have some studies that show the growth rates from clams at clam farms, where some where placed in cages and left undisturbed and others were cleaned and inspected on a monthly basis. the clams that were undisturbed grew at almost twice the rate, however they did have a higher mortality rate buy parasites.
my suggestion would be to place the clams where they receive plenty of light(the more the better) and if you want to feed them just add a little phyto to the whole tank. clams filter slowly all day long. they don't do well when force feed, most of the food they filter when target feed is collected by the gills and then rejected as pseudofeces
the common guide line of clams not being able to support them selves on light alone untill the are 3" or 4" in length is not correct. this guide line came about after Shimek wrote an article FOR DT's phytoplankton. if you read that article and then read the citations cited you will see that the article was crafted to make it look like clams will die if not feed phyotplankton. the citations tell a different story. within about 1 month of the end of the larval stage, the clams mantle is fully developed and is full of zoox and the clam can sustain its self on light alone. furthermore the size of the mantle is proportionate to the size of the clam throughout its life, so it not that the mantle surface area isn't enough to support the clam either. here is a study that was done on larval clams that were kept in micro filtered water and never allowed to receive any particulate, they did just fine on light alone http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0006-3185(198110)161:2<213:SDAAOZ>2.0.CO;2-N&size=LARGE
im not saying don't feed your clams. clams do filter to some extent, but they are physically limited, and the Croceas and Maximas you are talking about are physically limited to about a 90%/10% heterotrophic ability, the 90% being light.
i also have some studies that show the growth rates from clams at clam farms, where some where placed in cages and left undisturbed and others were cleaned and inspected on a monthly basis. the clams that were undisturbed grew at almost twice the rate, however they did have a higher mortality rate buy parasites.
my suggestion would be to place the clams where they receive plenty of light(the more the better) and if you want to feed them just add a little phyto to the whole tank. clams filter slowly all day long. they don't do well when force feed, most of the food they filter when target feed is collected by the gills and then rejected as pseudofeces
Mbbuna, that's intriging stuff. I'm interested in this research.
Do you have access to the full article you linked? and the articles or citations for the other studies you mentioned?
Also, what has been you personal experience. Have you been succesful raising small clams without supplemental feeding?
Do you have access to the full article you linked? and the articles or citations for the other studies you mentioned?
Also, what has been you personal experience. Have you been succesful raising small clams without supplemental feeding?
i don't have access but have read the full article. you may be able to get it at your local library or(no guarantees) PM critterkeeper-James Fatherree and he may be able to send you a copy.
ill have to look for the other articles, i have them but im filing system is less then desirable
my personal experience with small clams is not good. ive had 3 in the past(3/4"to 1 1/2") and all died within a month, and they were feed. i attribute there deaths to the overall fragility of clams that size. just like every other creature the very young and old are much more susceptible to stress, disease ect...
i have a 1 1/2" black and white Maxima that i couldn't pass up. ive had it for about 2 months now, its not being intentionally feed and is in my frag tank directly under a 10k MH and is doing great(AFIK). i do have a large fish population that is feed well twice a day. i feel this helps alot because the zoox need a steady supply of N&P and this is what ultimately feeds the clam
ill have to look for the other articles, i have them but im filing system is less then desirable
my personal experience with small clams is not good. ive had 3 in the past(3/4"to 1 1/2") and all died within a month, and they were feed. i attribute there deaths to the overall fragility of clams that size. just like every other creature the very young and old are much more susceptible to stress, disease ect...
i have a 1 1/2" black and white Maxima that i couldn't pass up. ive had it for about 2 months now, its not being intentionally feed and is in my frag tank directly under a 10k MH and is doing great(AFIK). i do have a large fish population that is feed well twice a day. i feel this helps alot because the zoox need a steady supply of N&P and this is what ultimately feeds the clam
Were the clams you lost all Maxima?
The pic is a little blurry but it looks like your correct. The scutes (the ridges on jutting out of the side of the shell) run the full length on maxima and only about a third of the way down on a crocea
this isnt the link on growth but shows how fast there ZTS develops and is filled with zoox http://www.springerlink.com/content/un401lk408122270/fulltext.html
this will help you id them http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1994
jwalters103
Active member
i was actually wondering about the validity of the articles because the series of articles here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70806
was written for dt's. obviously there is some bias here because if there were any articles written contraidicating the need for suplemental feeding, dt's wouldnt have published them and put their name on them
was written for dt's. obviously there is some bias here because if there were any articles written contraidicating the need for suplemental feeding, dt's wouldnt have published them and put their name on them
I just finished reading the Hirose et al study. Good stuff, however I don't think it downgrades the importance of filter feeding in the early development of Tridacnids. To the contary, I think it reinforces the idea that filter feeding is vital to not only the energy needs of the animal but to also satisfy the constant need to uptake zoox as well. Very good article. Thanks for sharing.
StupidsReef
Premium Member
Ok, when I picked up this lil' clam from the store the owner said he had ordered baby blue Maximas & baby neon green croceas. On this day there were 3 greenish little one's and 1 blue clam. I picked out one of the smallest in the tank, a greenish colored one, leaving him with 1 blue & 2 greenish one's. From Darricks pic I would assume that he has 2 of each from what the owner said.
On there care, I'm confused as what to do that would be best. Mine is so small he fit easly inside of a baby food jar. I scooped a small amount of sand from my tank in it first and placed him inside of the jar. I have him place at the highest point of my tank, and today once this moring and once this evening I lifted the jar out and placed it on the ledge and fed a small amount of DT's plankton, waited about a half an hour and then placed the jar back into the tank. This is my way of proving if my research of clams was enough or not.
On there care, I'm confused as what to do that would be best. Mine is so small he fit easly inside of a baby food jar. I scooped a small amount of sand from my tank in it first and placed him inside of the jar. I have him place at the highest point of my tank, and today once this moring and once this evening I lifted the jar out and placed it on the ledge and fed a small amount of DT's plankton, waited about a half an hour and then placed the jar back into the tank. This is my way of proving if my research of clams was enough or not.
