Clams on the Sandbed

[Shrkbait]

Hey you all I have a 3" sandbed and I was wondering if it's ok to place my clams on the sandbed. I have tried placing them on rock, but they never seem to attach and wander off. My lighting is good as I use 2 175W 14k MH lights. Any suggestions or should I just let them be on the floor?

 

[Reefcherie]

It is perfectlly fine to place clams on the sandbed! Many of us do it. If you find the clam seems unhappy, try putting a small flat rock or shell under the clam. They frequently like something they can attach to - but it need not be very large at all for them to feel comfortable.

Cheri

 

[Shrkbait]

Thanks Cheri!! One of my clams opens up completely but the other seems to be a little shy sometimes. I've had both of them for over a month now and all seems well. Hope it continues!!

 

[Reefmaniac1]

I actually prefer to keep mine on the sand...if I ever have to move the tank...well you get the idea.

 

[zonco]

It just depends on the clam , if u have a crocea or maxima I heard that they like to be in the rock-work higher up in the tank , but as for squamosa and derasa clams they like the sand and don't tend to need as much light .

 

[Reefcherie]

It just depends on the clam , if u have a crocea or maxima I heard that they like to be in the rock-work higher up in the tank , but as for squamosa and derasa clams they like the sand and don't tend to need as much light .

While I would definitely agree that crocea and maxima clams have higher light requirements, but depending upon the tank lighting you have, there is no need to actually put crocea and maxima clams in the rockwork. It really depends whether you have sufficient lighting to accomodate their needs at the depth of your sandbed.

None of my clams are in the rockwork, but I have 250W MH lighting for an 8" depth in one tank (clams ~16" from light) and 400W MH lighting in another tank for a 24" tank w/ clams sitting about 26" from the lights. I do either use puka shell substrate (one tank) or put small rock or shell (just beneath the sand) on a fine sand substrate to make the clams happier w/ their ability to attach to something.

Cheri

 

[Nate58]

The only clam truely found to prefer rocks is the crocea (crocea means "rock burrower" in the native language). Thats not to say that no other clams will take to being on rocks, but the others are generally found on the substrate. Light in an aquarium determines most were a clam will be happy. Squamosa and gigas shed their byssal glads as they get larger, relying on their weight to hold them down to the substrate. But I have found that under the proper light Maximas like to be in substrate over a rock that is buried. But they will still ancor to bare rock.

 

[Diehl]

I have a 1" sandbed and my 4" Maxima has been on the sandbed for almost a year now Here he is

 

[Xtasia]

BEAUTIFUL clam Diehl.. I love it!

 

[Foster]

I have a 4" Maxima, and it wont attach to the rock work, so I put it back in the 3" DSB and ti just buries itself in the sand. If this is what makes it happy?

 

[Reefcherie]

My impression of a clam burying itself is that it is seeking an attachment under the sand. In my case, the cure was to put a small piece of rock or clam shell just under the sand. My clam then attached to that and stopped the attempts to bury.

Cheri

 

[Foster]

Yes - I have heard this, Im going to have to place something under it. becuse it just keep digging.....Im sure it is looking to attach to something since last ime It took it out of the sand, the foot was pointing down!

 

[Bamm Bamm]

my maxima loves the sand as well

 

[Omar H]

BAm Bam,

Are you sure it is a maxima?

It seems like a crocea from the picture. in any case it is a very nice clam! Love the color, I wonder if it looks electric blue from the top.

Omar

 

[OrionN]

All clams will do fine in the sand if you have enough light.
Bamm Bamm, you got a Crocea instead of Maxima.
Minh