Finished tank, calm questions

[wastememphis]

I have to order my calcium and alk test kits today, but other than that I think I'm ready to start stocking my tank.

65gallon AGA RR tank, barebottom
20gallon AGA sump
Euro Reef ES5-3 skimmer
Mag 9.5 return pump
2 Seio 1100's
4 maxijet 1200's
2 x 250watt DE 10000K halides

N03: 2.5
NO2: 0
NH3: 0
PH: 8.2
Ca: ----
Alk: ----

The tank has been set up since August, theres 170snails in it, no fish yet. Here comes the questions, I saw a derasa calm at my lfs that has been there for a month and I'm starting to like it. Do derasas need to be on the sand? I've read it online on different sites that after they're "sexually mature" they like to move down to the sandbed. Also, how should I acclimate them to my light and where would a derasa like to be placed with respect to the current in the tank (strong, medium, indirect, low). Thanks for your help! I might get a maxima too, of course after I get my calcium and alk test kits.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Most derasas live on hard substrates. They sometimes can be found in sandbeds, I have never heard of the sexually mature part.

Acclimating it to your lights will depend on what it is currently under. All clams prefer high light, so, unless it has been under some dim lights for awhile, you shouldn't have any problems.

Clams prefer calmer water, they do not like to be blasted.

170 snails? Thats a bit much, don't you think.


I would like to add, that clams can be difficult, and are best left to mature tanks. Most clam failures I see, are from people that place them in newer systems.

I would try a hardier coral to test the waters first. Most derasas look similer and are common, so I wouldn't worry to much about passing on this one till the time is right.

 

[wastememphis]

Thanks for the info. 50-60 Astera and 100+ Ceriths, they're small so it doesnt look like a snail tank, you can only see a dozen or two at a time. Could I keep the clam on a flat rock?

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Most clams enjoy sitting on a flat rock.