First Clam Time

[greenmonkey51]

My 40g has been setup for a little while now and my acros are doing well. I put off getting a clam for a while but I think now maybe a good time. I have a 250w MH with 10k reeflux for lighting and then t-5 actinics. I plan on switching to a 20k radium though soon. Would a 3" crocea be my best bet for a first clam. Also could I keep it on the bottom or would I have to move it up. I have BB if that matters.

 

[TWallace]

I'd start with a derasa first. You don't say how long "a little while" is, though, so I can't answer if your tank is ready or not. Your lights sound adequate for a crocea. It should be fine on the bottom with a 250w over a 40g tank. When you switch to 20k, you may need to move it up a bit, but it will likely be fine on the bottom still.

 

[IslandCrow]

Personally, I probably wouldn't do a derasa. It'll take awhile, but it's eventually going to get far too big for a 40g. They do tend to be considered the easiest of clams, but I think that has more to do with lighting requirements, and you should be fine with just about anything there. Of course, if you're fine with eventually giving it away or selling it, a derasa is fine. Otherwise, either a maxima or crocea should be just fine. My first clam was a crocea, and it didn't seem to be any more difficult than the average SPS. In other words, if you're acros have been doing well for at least 6 months or so, you should have no problem with any of the Tridacna clams. As far as placement, a crocea should be fine on the bottom of the tank. I'd just make sure it's pretty much directly under the MH.

 

[quicksilverq]

the easiest by far is the gigas but I agree with Island it will out grow your tank both the derasa, gigas and squamoas will out grow that tank in a year or so. A maxima or crocea would be a better bet in a smaller tank but are both harder to keep not that much harder if your paramaters are good and you have them in a good spot for light.

 

[TWallace]

I've had a derasa for 2.5 years. It's grown from around 4" to 9" in that time. At 9" it's not too big for a 40 gallon tank.

 

[IFbettas]

My first clam was a 2.5 inch crocea. I got it after my tank was 5 months old, and all was going well. I found that the clam has been hardy enough.