clam growth

[jnb]

I have these 3 clams 8 -12 inches directly under t5s - 2 blue+ and 2 aquablues. I keep my alk, ca,mg at about 8.5,390,1400.

My clams look good, but I tripped across an older article which explains that you should always see new shell growth if all is well. However, I am not seeing it. I do not target feed instead thinking they get what they need by my cleaning algae off the glass, and otherwise whatever they get (I thought) from the system which has fish,etc. This 26+- tank shares a sump with a larger 120 gallon system - I use a clacium reactor.

So I want to know if all those with healthy clams do in fact see the new shell growth line on their clams.

 

[basser1]

I have a maxima that I've had for a year and a half. I do notice new growth on it. It's at the very top of the shell, usually hidden by the mantle. I see the new growth when it closes and it is considerably whiter in color than the rest of the shell.

 

[jnb]

yea - I should have told where I was looking - but of course, the new growth can be hidden by the mantle - but on mine, there is no new growth - thought I saw some months ago - perhaps it comes in spurts.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14975950#post14975950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by basser1
I have a maxima that I've had for a year and a half. I do notice new growth on it. It's at the very top of the shell, usually hidden by the mantle. I see the new growth when it closes and it is considerably whiter in color than the rest of the shell.

 

[docsky]

How long have you had them? Did you every seen growth? I don't know much about t5 but i know under my MH I moved one of my maxima up and the amount of shell growth doubled. I think they might have just enough light to stay alive but if you increase the light to them they would have extra energy to use to grow larger.

Also the larger the clam the slower they grow. The new shell adds a layer on from the bottom all the way up to the top. FWIW