Clam species and care

[brettinteriors]

I am trying to correctly identify the species of this clam to figure out my placement options. I run a 36" 8 bulb t5 fixture in a canopy. I have about 30 inches of water depth and need to figure if I need to place it high low or if I have enough light to place it at any depth in my tank.

 

[xpertrifle]

From the large ridges on the side it looks like a T. Maxima. The T. Crocea tends to be smoother and more even on the side. Also the Maxima is very elongated/oval, while the Crocea has a more pointy bottom.

I know that the Maxima requires very high light.
I am not really sure about T-5's but I have a deep tank and LED's. My clam (Crocea) is half way up+ and happy. I'd say move it up or get a spotlight, but if it opens nice and reacts (closes) to movement/shadows it may be ok with lots of feeding. They tend to be hardier when bigger than a few inches.
Also if he is attached to the substrate and happy, dont move him, tearing his foot will probably kill him from infection.
Keep your calcium high!

 

[xpertrifle]

From the large ridges on the side it looks like a T. Maxima. The T. Crocea tends to be smoother and more even on the side. Also the Maxima is very elongated/oval, while the Crocea has a more pointy bottom.

I know that the Maxima requires very high light.
I am not really sure about T-5's but I have a deep tank and LED's. My clam (Crocea) is half way up+ and happy. I'd say move it up or get a spotlight, but if it opens nice and reacts (closes) to movement/shadows it may be ok with lots of feeding. They tend to be hardier when bigger than a few inches.
Also if he is attached to the substrate and happy, dont move him, tearing his foot will probably kill him from infection.
Keep your calcium high!

 

[xpertrifle]

I must have hit the button twice, not an option to delete.....