Best Clam Shipping Size?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

All other things being equal, how do smaller clams ship vs larger ones?

For example, a 2.5" maxima from Live Aquaria vs a 5" maxima from them?

TIA

 

[reefnfun]

I don't think size is an issue. I just got a 12" Gigas and he shipped fine. The larger the clam the more water they should pack it in. I tihnk the retailers know how bwst to pack the clams to get them to you alive and well.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

OK, thanks.

 

[johnnybravo234]

It doesn't really matter how large the clam is during shipping. The size makes more of a difference in the long term health of the clam. Basically, the bigger the better. Try to stay away from maximas and croceas that are smaller than 2". Asymptomatic smaller clams have been known to spontaneously die months after acclimation. The larger clams seem to have a better prognosis when suffering from stress and pm as well. Good luck.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Would that idea extend to a 5" maxima being more likely to make it than a 2.5" one?

 

[Reef Newb11]

I will try and find the article I was reading but I have read that clams smaller than 4" cannont thrive without being target fed. Due to their mantles not being large enough to support themselves from photosynthesis alone.

 

[johnnybravo234]

Yes, if you can afford it the 5" maxima would be ideal. Small clams do not need to be target fed. That article doesn't make any sense.

 

[Reef Newb11]

ok thanks. Thats why i post stuff i read so that I can get opinions on what I read....

 

[Fuzznutz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13379575#post13379575 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Newb11
I will try and find the article I was reading but I have read that clams smaller than 4" cannont thrive without being target fed. Due to their mantles not being large enough to support themselves from photosynthesis alone.

According to Fatherees book that is bunk. Small clams can produce all of the zooanthelle they need with no problem at all. From his research, clams under 3" are just more susceptible to dying, period.

 

[MrManz1691]

ya small clams tend to be alot harder to keep. If there is a swing in ammonia at all they tend to melt. I have never been able to keep a clam that is under 2 in. Where as i have a clma now that is about 7in and i got him when he was about 4in. The smaller ones never seem to make it.