Best First Clam.

[ewaldm]

I am hopefully *fingers crossed* going to be buying a 250watt mh retro kit. If I get it, the one area that I really want to explore are clams. I love blue color, and IMO the prettiest blues are in maxima clam mantels. It would be my first clam, and I was curious if it is better to start with say a derasa, or squamoso, or are they considered hardy because they are less light demanding. I plan to get a derasa anyways, but I wouldn't mind buying a maxima at the same time. Anyways. TIA

 

[kfisc]

If you feel very confident of your tank's parameters, and with a 250w halide, you should be fine keeping about any clam you want. This assumes it's the right kelvin. Also, with a 35 gallon, you may want to consider space concerns if the clam gets bigger. I'm not a fan of the idea of a "beginner clam;" they all do best under pristine conditions, but crocea and maxima clams are more sensitive, which essentially says derasa and squamosa take longer to die in subpar conditions, imo. Good luck-

 

[thebicyclecafe]

I agree totally.
Anything other than a T. crocea would outgrow the 35 gallon (unless it had the entire sanbed to itself). Though squamosas and derasas are labeled "beginner clams," it's partly because they do need less light. They are less finicky, but only to a degree.

How long has the system been set up? Are parameters good and constant? These are things I would checklist before making all the modifications for the clams.

I'd go with a T. crocea just because it would be easier to keep one long term in that size tank. You could easily find a blue crocea that will be a centerpiece for your tank!