Maxima quarantine ?

[mikesin]

We have decided to get a maxima or two from Liveaquaria. They seem to have an extensive QT/protocol setup for their corals. We only have PC lighting for our QT tank and are considering acclimating them directly into our DT. Only problem is, we are a little nervous about no QT, dipping etc. We would be relying on THEIR QT. Is there a product similar to "reef dip" by seachem for clams? Currently we dip all new corals in Furan II, flatworn eXit and reef dip and from what we have read reef dip is NOT recommended for clams.
What are your suggestions, what do you do? do you trust LA? What should we be looking for as far as pests go?
Thanks in advance.....

 

[ezcompany]

There is no recommended dips for clams, except for freshwater dips.
Liveaquaria has an excellent reputation, and their clam should be safe to add directly to your system. Of course, there is no 100% fail safe specimen.
What I would do is I would brush and scrub the shell with a soft bristled toothbrush, examine for any unwanteds with a flashlight, and rinse it with some saltwater.

 

[mbbuna]

i wouldn't do any dips on clams. QT is always the best option. heres a QT outline i wrote http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1911

 

[mikesin]

ezcompany - Our system has Tek T5 lighting, so if we elect to go directly to the DT would you still place the clam in the sand with a rock buried underneath for light acclimation/attachment or just place it on the LR? Wondering since they are coming from a system that uses MH and going down to T5 lighting if light acclimation is necessary?

mbbuna - excellent thread - no Mh here though? HEY is that a Jack?


Thanks for the quick reply guys..

 

[mbbuna]

yes hes a Jack. thats my vertically challenged little buddy

 

[mikesin]

LOL, I LOVE jacks - use to be involved with the JRTCA. Vertically challenged MAYBE - makes up with spirit and drive!!

 

[ezcompany]

oops, my post made it sound like FW dips are recommended on clams, sorry this was not my intent. FW should be avoided if possible. and yeah, i was trying to do a search for mbbuna's qt thingy but he beat me to it

Our system has Tek T5 lighting, so if we elect to go directly to the DT would you still place the clam in the sand with a rock buried underneath for light acclimation/attachment or just place it on the LR? Wondering since they are coming from a system that uses MH and going down to T5 lighting if light acclimation is necessary?

i'm pretty sure liveaquaria uses 400 watt 20ks in their system, but i'm not sure how how deep their system is. How much T5 lighting are we talking about and how deep is your display tank? If you have any doubts however it is always the safest bet to start your clam from the bottom.

 

[mikesin]

From the top of our sand bed to the waters edge is 18" (75G) another 6" of air to the lights so a total of 24" from lights to sand bed. tek 5, 6X54W individual ref.
the goal for final placement for the clams will be in 6 - 8" of water. sound about right for T5?

 

[ezcompany]

with 18" of depth your lights must be quite long horizontally. with 6 bulbs at 54 watts each i'm guessing you have more than enough light penetrating all the way to the bottom of your tank, probably more light than the current set up of Liveaquaria. I would place the clam at the bottom of the tank and keep an eye on it

 

[mikesin]

Great information, thanks for the quick replies - have a great day
p.s.yes, 4' long bulbs.

 

[skinz78]

I had the same setup on my old 75 and yes start them on the bottom but slowly move them up. I wouldn't leave them on the bottom.