Clams for beginners

[Surfzone]

OK here's the deal! I'm new to clams and i just ordered a 250 watt 10k mh retro-fit to replace 2 of the 4 VHOs that i have over my tank. my tank is a 30 gal breeder that has made a great liittle reef tank. it has been set up for about a year with softies such as: GSP, Xenia, Red Mushrooms,Brown zoos with a green mouth,button polyps orange recordia with a blue center and a green recordia. Both recordia are splitting. I'm about to try my had at SPS and Clams and i would like to know if there is a more hardy clam for a beginner to start out with along with sps may be hardier than others. I would like to get a bit or reading in befor i get in over my head.

 

[Barry N.]

With your lighting you will be able to keep any of the Tridacinds . For someone that has never kept clams before I would recommend a Tridacna derasa but it will out grow your 30 gallon tank in time.

Another thing to consider is the more livestock you have in your tank such as SPS and clams, you will have to watch your ca as they both require a lot ca to grow. Be aware of overstocking your reef so you will not have problems with water warfare.

IMO & IME.

 

[OrionN]

Light is essential, but not the only essential component for clams. Stability of the water, clean water, and the ability of keeping Ca and Alkalinity high is very important also.
Given adequate light, Crocea should be easier to keep than other species of Clams. They live near the top of the reef and is expose to variety of condition including change of salinity, temperature and is able to adapt better for aquarium life. They do require higher light than other species, but you should have adequate light with your new set up.
Minh