First Clam - Doing Things Right?

[intenseimage]

Went to a local frag swap today and picked up a beautiful "Ultra Crocea". I have wanted a clam for quite awhile and today was the day to finally jump in.

I floated the bag for 30 mins and then water acclimated. The clam was pretty quick to open, although not as fully open as in the display tank. I am guessing just getting used to the new tank?

The tank is a 75g with a Nova Extreme Pro T5 setup (6x54). I currently have the clam on the rocks just a hair under halfway down in the tank but could relocate to about 1/4 down if necessary - unless this would be better in the sand? However, its current location does have a bit of a hole right under where its sitting so its foot may need to stretch a bit to grab on -- does this pose a problem?

Aside from lighting should I be feeding DT's as an added supplement?


Currently the tank params are:

Temp: 78
pH: 8.1
Alk: 11 dKH
Cal: 420 ppm
Mg: 1100 ppm

I am slowly bringing my Mg up to 1350.

Is there anything else I should be doing or am I already on the right track.

 

[troyman]

try bringing calcium up a little to but get the mag up first clams dont usually need to be feed since they are filter feeders with your lighting i would also keep them midway in the tank they do like bright lighting i love clams i am on my 6th one all doing well so far good luck would raise ph a little also your on the rite track to make a happy home to a happy clam

 

[a4twenty]

good advice

if you're worried he will have a hard time attaching, place a small flat rock underneath him, or re-arrange it so he does have something to easily grab onto.

oh yeah and post a pic when you get a chance

 

[johnnybravo234]

Everything looks and sounds fine. Leave it alone and it will attach. It doesn't need to be fed. Clams do not like to be disturbed.

 

[intenseimage]

Good ... I had done a bunch of reading before so I was hoping it was in line with what needed to be done.

But raise Cal ... 420 ppm isnt high enough?

 

[intenseimage]

Havent been able to get a good pic since I need a top down photobox but here is a sampling of its coloration:

When its fully open and looking down onto it, the amount and intensity of the turquoise is insane!

 

[a4twenty]

nice pics, great looking crocea