How do I know which is the clam for me?

[Violet_Dream]

Will an experienced clam keeper please let me know if I have the right setup to keep a clam. I saw this cute little baby blue maxima for 45 bucks at the LFS but I dont know if I'm ready to have one.
Any good links or replies would be appreciated.
Also, is 45 bucks too much ? IS there somewhere online thats cheaper and reliable?
Thanks in advance

 

[davelin315]

By baby, what size do you mean?

Generally, I think that clams under around 2-2.5" are considered babies, in that they haven't yet developed the zooxanthellae to produce food for themselves, and rely more on ammonium and filter feeding to grow. Therefore, you either need a big fish load, or you need to feed them separately (things that I just recently learned).

As far as price is concerned, if it's anywhere under 1.5", I'd say that $45 is a lot. At one of the most expensive stores in the area here, I paid $13.00 or 2/$25.00 recently for 2 clams under an inch.

However, that said, the larger they are and the more of a pattern they show (it starts to show up as they develop), the more you'll pay.

Just my opinion.

 

[Violet_Dream]

I'd say they're about an inch and a half. They have the 2.5 inch variety for 59 and the 3 for 69. Anyone know of any place online I can get them cheaper?
And the original question still remains too, should I even have a clam with my lights and critters?

 

[MiNdErAsR]

Usually clams under 4" are considered "baby". Personally I think you really need more intense lighting for most of the Tridacnids. Consider upgrading to a 150w or (even better) 250w HQI pendant and your clams will love you.

 

[jim norris]

Violet,
I would agree with Jim Fox. I think you lighting is less than it sure be for a maxima. A baby max would be Ok for awhile if you fed him alot. But by feeding him, that maybe to much for the tank to handle. For that type of lighting the only clam in my opinion would be a small hippopus clam.
Jim

 

[toptank]

Violet,

As far as a link, can't remember the link address but if you click onto my clam site there is a good link by Daniel Knop who wrote "Giant Clams"

I know you will find that helpful

http://barryreef.homestead.com/clams180.html


Barry

 

[Violet_Dream]

Hippopus?

Hippopus?

Where can I get a pic of one of these and maybe some more info.
I dont NEED a clam anyways, it ws just a nice idea.
Thanks for the input

 

[GH Sniper]

Violet,

You could get away with the light IF you placed your tank in a position where it would have direct sunlight into the tank. Use the sun as much as possable to your advantage if you can because reguardless of wehat you do you will not be able to replicate the sun's intensity/composition exactly.

 

[Pepito]

I would be scared the sun would heat up a 20 gallon tank to much to be of any good BUT i live in AZ.