Help an old timer out, please

[elegance coral]

Been around the hobby for a long time, just never got much into clams. I know, I know, I know. Something just ain't right with that.:spin2: Anyway.... I have recently picked up two clams and I have some questions.

How many of you feed your clams?

What species do I have? I think I know the species, but I figure it's better to ask and be sure.

What's the odds of me finding a T. gigas? If it's possible, how much can I expect to pay for one?

Why is the mantle on this one standing up so vertically?

 

[mscarpena]

First is a Deresa second is a maxima. I do not feed my clams and feel it is not at all necessary. If you have fish and feed them you clams will get the food they need. Also would not worry about the position of the Deresa mantle. As for you finding a Gigas they are definitely out there just not as pretty IMO so they are around less. You can find them on the web or ask your LFS to order you one in. Also they are not too much, but like anything else depends on size and color. I would say you could find one for <$100.00. Nice looking clams and they are one of the best things in the hobby. Its about time you got some.

 

[nygiants72]

Deresa and Maxima. Gigas are rare now. Intense light and nutrients in water will help.

 

[nygiants72]

It maybe standing up because there isn't enough light? or there is too much light?

 

[NYCBOB]

+1. derasa and maxima. i dont feed mine, since the fish poop is all the clams need.

 

[elegance coral]

Thanks for the help. I'll talk to my LFS and see what they can do about getting a gigas.
Right now I have a 120 and the only fish in it is a pair of perculas. I do feed every day, just not very much. With such a low fish load, do you think I should pick up some DT's?

 

[tozzi]

I have a squamosa, max and dersa, they're all growing great. Never feed them but i do feed my fish several times a day so theres always food in the water column. I think intense light is most important

 

[elegance coral]

I have twin 250W 14K MH's and two 4' HO T5's on a standard 120. I hope they have plenty of light?????? The maxima is on the rocks about 8 to 10 inches from the surface, but towards the back kinda away from the MH. The deresa is on the sand at the bottom of the tank.

 

[mscarpena]

Definitely enough light. Also still do not think you need to feed clams even with your low fish load.

 

[cakemanPA]

Derasas tend to do that a bit. Flow will make them do that more with the mantle. IMHO there is no need to feed clams

 

[elegance coral]

Thanks again for the help.

Everyone keeps saying there is no "need" to feed clams. Would feeding be beneficial? Do they grow faster, or become stronger, healthier animals when fed? Or, is the movement of water through the animal primarily for gas exchange and removal of waste products?

 

[moliken]

could be beneficial to a clam in the wild, but dangerous to a tank in yr living room and not by the clam growing too fast.besides not being needed, it's unnecessary. why add nutrients to the system for no reason? it should not be done, period.
look up fatherree's article.

 

[elegance coral]

could be beneficial to a clam in the wild, but dangerous to a tank in yr living room and not by the clam growing too fast.besides not being needed, it's unnecessary. why add nutrients to the system for no reason? it should not be done, period.
look up fatherree's article.

I found this article, but it doesn't really go into feeding.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/jf/feature/index.php

 

[tozzi]

I have twin 250W 14K MH's and two 4' HO T5's on a standard 120. I hope they have plenty of light?????? The maxima is on the rocks about 8 to 10 inches from the surface, but towards the back kinda away from the MH. The deresa is on the sand at the bottom of the tank.

Thats plenty of light for anything:lol2: