Clam help

[jd371]

I will be picking up a Maxima Clam from the lfs on Friday. I know what to do with fish and coral before they go into the tank, but what are the steps you take with a clam?

 

[mcgyvr]

Depends on who you ask..
http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=157

Personally I just float bag to match temps and throw it right into the tank.. I've done that for everything I've ever gotten and never had a problem.. (call me lucky or foolish I guess)

Clams/Urchins/Sponges should never be exposed to air..

 

[Mark9]

I will be picking up a Maxima Clam from the lfs on Friday. I know what to do with fish and coral before they go into the tank, but what are the steps you take with a clam?

I acclimated mine like you do everything else, temperature than a drip.
Keep it underwater.
Don't be alarmed if it squirts water at you.

 

[ca1ore]

Make sure you look for a growing edge. A healthy clam will have that white leading edge to the shell indicting growth and health. I never buy a clam that doesn't.

 

[jd371]

Make sure you look for a growing edge. A healthy clam will have that white leading edge to the shell indicting growth and health. I never buy a clam that doesn't.

That's the first thing I looked for. I waved my hand in front of the light to get a reaction from the clam and was able to see the white leading edge when it retracted it's mantle.

 

[Silly clownfish]

I also used a soft toothbrush to lightly clean the shell (not the foot!) to dislog any snails, aiptasia, etc.). I quarantined for a few days of oservation for pyramid snails. I had it under VHOs for QT, which I figured was Ok, but not suitable for too long. I kept it there for 10 days and spent a lot of tiem with a magnifying glass looking for pyramids.

 

[jd371]

The clams have been at the lfs for a couple of months now so I'm hoping they would have shown signs of Pyramids. I did notice some Aptasia though. I was planning on giving it a scrub before it goes into the tank.

 

[Buzz1329]

I acclimated mine like you do everything else, temperature than a drip.
Keep it underwater.
Don't be alarmed if it squirts water at you.

That's what I did and it worked well for 3 Tridacnas I've added to my tanks.

Mike

 

[ca1ore]

Most LFS will run their inverts systems at or close to 1.025. Makes drip unecessary.