Clam sugestions

[cjilge]

I would like to eventually have a clam or two in my new tank. 65rr w/30gal sumo/fuge lights 6 36" t-5 w/ indv reflectors. It looks like they get pretty big, Will they out grow my tank quickly or does it take awhile. Lastley any sugestions on type? This isn't my first reef tank, but I'm trying to do it right from the start. i want to have a fairly mixed reef , some of everything.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Reefer07]

Well you first need to decide which type of clam you want to keep. I would say you can definitely keep derasa's, squamosa's and more than likely croceas. Maxima's might seem possible but I would try some of the others first.
They need a decent amount of flow as well.
When buying them make sure to inspect the byssal gland and muscle underneath the shell. There should be anything sticking out. It should be some white puffy flesh with some brown in the middle.
As far as placement. They like rocks.
A sign of a healthy clam would be responsivness and if it anchors itself down. The byssal gland actually produces a string-like anchor and it attaches itself to a rock.
If it doesn't attach itself within a few days then maybe try to move it. The clam should also be open nice and wide and the syphon hole (big one with teeth) shouldn't be too open. The mantle should extend over the shell several inches as well.
Clams are filter feeders so some kind of phytoplankton substitute would be appropriate.
I choose DT's phytoplankton. It is a live product so it must be kept refridgerated. I also like to keep DT's oyster eggs and put a very little amount of them in with the DT's when I dose. Keep in mind 1/5 of a tsp. of eggs is probably thousands and thousands of eggs. I don't dose even an 1/8.
Tropic marin makes some dry stuff that is a supposedly a phytoplanton substitute. It is called tropic marin pro coral phyton for bivalves and other soft filter feeders. I use it a couple times a week but couldn't tell you how it really works.
I have only had clams (3 croceas) for about a month now but this is just some information I have picked up on and learned about from various people.

Hope it helps a little and for that matter what you were looking for.
-Zac

Just an edit: They also like plenty of calcium. Make sure you stay in check with your levels and keep it around 420-440. Depending on how many of you get or what your calcium uptake already consists of you will have to dose daily. They will suck it right up.

 

[IslandCrow]

Not all "giant" clams get all that big. Croceas are the smallest. I don't think they get much bigger than around 6". I think maximas are the next smallest. Gigas are way too big for just about anyone's aquarium, and deresas get fairly large as well (I think about 1 1/2 feet). I think your best bet would be a maxima. You should have plenty of light to keep it just about anywhere you want in your tank, they are some of the more brilliantly colored clams, and they're relatively easy to find. Croceas are the most light demanding, but if you put them up on the rockwork, you should be able to keep them with T-5s. There's also H. hippopus (sp?), but they're not very common in the hobby, and I know almost nothing about them. . .probably including how to spell hippopus.

 

[IslandCrow]

You might be interested in this thread (if you haven't seen it already) to get some other perspectives on what types of clams other people like and dislike. I'd take it all with a grain of salt, but it could certainly help in your choice: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1452067