Maxima won't stay on rocks

[JDM130]

Hi, I purchased a small Maxima clam a few days ago. I rearanged my rocks a little to find a nice looking spot for it before I picked it up. The problem is, it wont stay! I put the clam up there and it opens up nice, but every morning I find it on the sand Facing up. Does it just prefer it there better? I know the clam is moving itself because I saw it one night move then fall. What is the best way to handle this? My lighting consists of 4 x 55 watt pc's and 2 x 65 watt pc's about 4 inches above the tank with no cover. And the tank is a 75 gallon reef. And BTW, I am new to this group and keep seeing people refer to a food called DT's, what is that? my clam has been sucking down zooplankton, is that a good diet for it? Any help would be greatly apreciated
Thanks in advance, Jeff

 

[toptank]

Hi Jeff,

It keep jumping off as he most likely don't like it there or he isn't on a good level rock, then when he retracts he falls. Don't place him in a creavis that is too small or he won't be able to open when he get bigger.

On the lighting, IMO you are on the low side IMO but keep him toward the top. Clams require intense lighting for Good growth and color

Get the book " Giant Clams" by Daniel Knop, great reading on clams or go to my link as I have some good links regarding keeping clams I think you would find helpful.

Barry

 

[toptank]

Sorry I forgot to answer you other question regarding DT's . It is a Photoplankton that you can add to your tank as clams are filters and love it. It is good for other coral as well.

 

[JDM130]

Hey Barry, Thanks for the reply, Nice webpages too!!! Yea, I kinda thought the lighting was a little on the low side for clams. Even though it is 350watts total, I guess the PC's don't penatrate as well as the MH will. I will be upgrading to a dual 250watt MH system in a few weeks anyway. I know that Clams love photoplankton, but is DT's a brand? I am useing Kent Chromaplex photoplankton. I use it at the reccomended dose in the tank. Should I drip it directly over my clam? Thanks again, Jeff

 

[toptank]

Jeff,
I have never used Chromaplex but with DT's or BioPlanton I just get a cup of water a put a few pumps or messure it and pour it in my tank. The clams will filter it out.

Barry