Derasa Clam

[Andrew]

Ok... Im going to attemp to keep a Derasa Clam. I have a 36 bow front reef that has been up for around 4.5 months and has 130 watts of pc lights. I need to know care level for them and what I would have to feed them. Thanks.

http://www.petsolutions.com/Derasa+Clam-I-169720L-I-C-16102-C-.aspx

 

[kfisc]

I'd avoid any supplements beyond whatever you use for calc/alk balance; they suck it up. they like nice clean water, they're all sensitive to nitrates. maybe some dt's phytoplankton (the live stuff!) depending on how large it is- mine bopped around the tank for awhile before settling, best kept on the bottom. lots of arguments could brew over whether 130 watts is enough. good luck-

 

[Andrew]

Do you think I have enough lighting?

 

[Electrobes]

I think you might have enough light to keep a derasa alive, but I don't believe it will flourishwell in your tank. The care level, here is a short run-through:

Minimum (IMO)

Calc: 410 ppm
Mag: 1240 ppm
Alk: 9.3 dKH
Ammonia, Nitrates, and Phosphates: Undetectable is best, but a little ammonia or nitrate won't kill them
Salinity: 1.024 (lowest suggested) I would try to keep it at around 1.026 or so.

Derasas are sand dwelling, it is best to keep them there, and remember not to over feed phytoplankton as it will cause diatom blooms if overdosed, plus a number of other annoying things.

My other suggestion is to not get a derasa under 3 inches... getting one about 3 inches or bigger is a very good start for a beginner. Good luck, HTH.

 

[Andrew]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Don Berry]

There is not going to be enough light intensity on the sand bed under that PC lighting. I would advise against buying the clam.

 

[complexbooger]

i just bought one about 2 months ago. about 3 inches or so. i have 192w PC on my 45g. Its doing great so far. colors are better than the LFS. and opens fully everyday. I dont keep it on the sand either, its on a flat shelf looking rock, and within the first 2 days it stuck its foot to it and wont get off.

Not to hijack, but if i wanted to move it how do i? is this why they say to put it on the sand?