Considering a clam

[reeferaddict]

Hi all-
I have been wanting a clam for about three or four months now, but I know I am limited by my lighting(160wtsPC over a 29gl) and not many squamosa's come through my LFS's to tempt me, but today I saw a beautiful 3"or3 1/2" squam that was yellow and orange with blue and green highlights. He seemed very healthy with a nicely extended mantle and no gapping, although I'd like to know more about what I should look for. Should it go on the rockwork or in the sand or does it matter? Please help me out with any info I'd really like to add this guy
How much do these guys move? And finally, what is the most important factorswhich effect thses guys. I know calcium is a biggie, and ph and alk. what else
thanks alot guys

 

[brian111]

IMO , I think that a squamosa would be fine with your lighting. I have a squamosa that is on the sand and has been there for 5 months with no problems.

I saw some great links on someone web site all about clams, I think it was www.clamsdirect.com very informative and educational.

brian

 

[toptank]

reeferaddict,

Think you will be find with a squamosa in your tank as well.

When checking your prospective clam, mantle extension, retract and re-opens quickly to shadows ( moving hand between clam and light source) also check the byssus opening. Look for pyramidelline snails as well, sometimes very hard to see.

Make sure you water chemistry is stable, salinity, alk, pH and try to keep your ca. up over 400 for good growth. You can feed your tank DT's or if you have several fish, what you feed them will be fine and the clams will filter the water, even the waste of the fish. They like some nitrates as well.

A good reference book is Daniel Knop, "Giant Clams".

Good luck and welcome to the world of clams.

Barry
PS Thanks brian for the plug, yes I do have some reference material on my site

 

[reeferaddict]

good to hear

good to hear

thanks for the info guys
i've already checked out the site but thanks anyway lots of nice clams toptank and some useful info as well
What are they the most sensitive too? My ph fluctuates sometimes at night.
And also, how often do they move and where should he be placed?
Last one I promise, is there an easy way to positively ID it as a Squamosa? I haven't seen one anything like this one:inlove: (looks more like the maxima's I've seen)and I don't really trust this LFS
Anyway...He's asking $55 for him. Is that a fair price?
(I do realize the ridiculous nature of this question but since it is my first and all:lmao
Seems so to me but what do I know I don't have any clams ....not yet anyway......
thanks again....reeferaddict....:bum:

 

[sahin]

IMO the considered clam will be fine in your tank. The price may be a little high, but since you say its a very nice specimen, it should be worth the price.
It works out about Ã"šÃ‚£35, but I am not too sure of the relative prices over there in the US.

As for placement, if the highet from sand to light source is less than 12 inches or so, it may just be fine on the sand. If not, then place him on a suitable rock higher up. Dont place him on a large rock, as once attached you'll not be able to move him. Best to let him sit on a small rock.

Most likely, it should be fine on the sand.
Be sure to post some pictures when you got him.

Look at this link for clam ID purposes.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/jf/feature/index.htm

Hope this helps. Good luck.