Clam under Power Compact?

[HumanIMDB]

<i>(Also posted to the Tridacnid Clams and other Mollusks forum)</i>

I'm wondering if I can keep any type of a clam under a Coralife Aqualight 96w Quad 50/50 Power Compact above a 10 gallon Nano?

I have two spots in the tank that I can place a small clam and am looking for options, opinions, and advice.

The first spot is in the middle of the tank on top of the rock about 2-3 inches below the surface of the water.

The second spot is on the left side of the tank in the sand bed. The sand is about an inch and a half deep and is about ten inches below the surface of the water.

Are either of these places doable? And, if so, what type of clam would thrive in those locations?

Please list any reasons why you feel it will be fine and/or some cautionary notes.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[papagimp]

There are some clams that require lower lighting, but as a general rule, you stick a clam under PC's, don't expect it to live long. Avoid Crocea's and Maxima's for sure. Maybe a squamosa or Deresa can handle that lighting better? Anybody?

A cleaner clam would do just fine though , not very pretty and you'd never see it as it buries itself in the sandbed.

 

[JENnKerry]

And also the lower light clams like the Squamosa and Derasa will get too big for a 10 gallon.

 

[WI Reef Lover]

OK I'm not an expert but I do have a clam in my tank (46 gallon bow front, i have power compact lighting, 2 / 96 watt bulbs 1 is dual actinic the other is dual daylight and he seems to be doing just fine.

When I got him he was about an inch and he is now about 2 inches. It is a maxima that I got back at the end of October. He is also positioned towards the bottom of the tank. (it seemed everytime i tried to place him higher he'd just jump back down)

I did read something about smaller clams living more on planktonic food as apposed to light until they get bigger (according to where I read it, that was the reason not to buy smaller clams) but so far it seems to be working in my tank. I suppose this could change when he gets larger and relies more on lighting (if what I read was true). I do feed often.

This all, of course, could be blind luck and it may not last forever.

This is, again, is no expert opinion, just what I have experienced in my own tank.

 

[preculafreak06]

I need to follow this I have 6 watts a gallon in my tank it's a 20 gallon long and later on I want a clam.:->

 

[ionredline0260]

I wouldn't stick a $40-$80 clam under those lights but if you find a small one thats not too expensive why not give it a try?

 

[SeanySean]

I think that 96W for a 10 Gallon will be fine for most clams as your tank is not very deep you will really benefit from PC,s I have had success with most corals with the pc.s which are placed on the sides of my current tank and thats 30" deep,

 

[jer77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9410599#post9410599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanySean
I think that 96W for a 10 Gallon will be fine for most clams as your tank is not very deep you will really benefit from PC,s I have had success with most corals with the pc.s which are placed on the sides of my current tank and thats 30" deep,

Ya I agree, 96W over a 10 gallon is a lot, and probably enough for any clam. The only problem is that clams grow and get big. You might try a crocea in the tank because they don't get too big, but they do require the most light of any clam. Croceas however can be placed on rocks as they will attch themselves with their foot. But once it is attached don't plan on moving it, so make sure it is where you want it. I would probably place it in the sand first to get it acclimated and wait a few weeks before moving it- only move it once too. Croceas, especially small ones, still need some phytoplankton supplementation, but not as much as the other clams. So plan on getting some phytoplan or DT's. Also be on the lookout for pyrimid snails which can eat a small clam in a matter of weeks. They are small white cone-shaped snails that attach themselves under the clams mantle and around its foot. HTH.

 

[papagimp]

I think I missed the whole 10g tank thing. That shallow of a tank does make a bit of difference. 96watts over it may be enough.

WI reef lover, it may be dumb luck that he's doing well, but also keep in mind it can take several months (6 or so) to notice a clam starving to death. Slow deaths for the most part, not something you'd notice in a week. But best of luck to ya with him.

 

[t5Nitro]

Remember in a small tank like that with only 10 gallons, that clam will eat that calcium away like nothing probably, if you do that either watch the calcium very closely for a while because you might have to dose a lot of it per day or get a calcium reactor.

 

[WI Reef Lover]

PaPagimp

I agree, It might just be dumb luck. He has doubled in size though and he reacts quickly when something moves over him.
He's been in my tank now about 5 months.

What would the signs be that he is starving to death ? The owner of one of my local fish shops said my lighting would be plenty but i'll admit he seems the type more likely to try to make a fast buck (I don't buy a lot from his store unless I've done the research myself.).

At any rate I would be interested on what the signs of decline are.