Minimum tank size for clams

[kazzoo3]

What would be the minimal size?

I was reading another thread about a 29g tank for a clam and whether or not that was too small. I understand the reasoning behind what some were saying as why it might be too small. That got me to wondering what percent fluctuation in water parameters would be acceptable for tridacnid clams?

I would guess having an understanding of the fluctuation experienced in their native environment would be a good place to start. Does anybody have an idea about the fluctuation of those parameters in their natural environment?

 

[Waxxiemann]

I'm certainly no expert, but what I have read is that you need to keep your PH,Temp, Calcium and alkalinity very consistent to make a clam its happiest. Also, strong lighting.

I heard this dude who gave this seminar say he had a squamosa in a 65 gallon tank all by itself and it was so big that it was touching the galss on both sides! He said hat it weighs 50 pounds!

You can hear the seminar on reefvideos.com.

 

[kazzoo3]

I can't seem to access that website.

I don't doubt that you can keep one in a small tank provided you prevent too much fluctuation in the parameters. The question is how much fluctuation can you have without unduly stressing the clam?

I understand why larger tanks make maintaining parameters within those limits easier while smaller tanks make it more difficult. I just wonder what those limits might be.

 

[Waxxiemann]

It's hard to say. I imagine that they could withstand some small amount of fluctuation in the calcium and alk department, but once you start messing with PH and temprature, that's probably when you would start to see major stress.

 

[pugbreath13]

I have two clams in my 33g. They have been in there for 6 months and have almost doubled in size. Just make sure your water quality is good and use metal halides.

 

[sjfishguy]

I have a blue maxima in my 10g with 130W PCs. It does suck up calcium and thus its hard for me to keep my alk up, but it can be done. Obviously the bigger the better, but it can be done as long as you are prepared to constantly add the nutrients it needs.

 

[teetimefun]

I have a crocea in a 30. It's showing new growth and all I supplement is Calcium and alkalinity, and regular water changes.

 

[Leopard Man]

I had 11 4" croceas in my old skimmerless 37g along with a purple LTA and 2 squas. They all did well under 6x24W t5s, 4x10k, 2x20k. Had them for about 5 months and they were growing. They kept the nitrates and phosphates zero.

Gave them for adoption as I recently upgraded. Here's a pic:

 

[Stoney Mahony]

I have 2 croceas, 1 maxima and 1 gigas in a 35 hex for over a year. They are very easy to keep IMO. I don't have a heater on that tank, and it's skimmerless but everything does fine. I have a 150w hqi pendant over the tank. My temps always fluctuate alot in that tank(prob 5-8 deg) but it doesnt bother them. Now, high temps can trigger a spawning event but my tank ranges from 72-79. If you hit 83 and above, watch out

 

[jmaneyapanda]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9230188#post9230188 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stoney Mahony
I have 2 croceas, 1 maxima and 1 gigas in a 35 hex for over a year. They are very easy to keep IMO. I don't have a heater on that tank, and it's skimmerless but everything does fine. I have a 150w hqi pendant over the tank. My temps always fluctuate alot in that tank(prob 5-8 deg) but it doesnt bother them. Now, high temps can trigger a spawning event but my tank ranges from 72-79. If you hit 83 and above, watch out

Spawning can usually be caused by stress in clams, so the temp swing iis effecting them. Be careful please.

 

[Stoney Mahony]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9231081#post9231081 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmaneyapanda
Spawning can usually be caused by stress in clams, so the temp swing iis effecting them. Be careful please.

Yes, I understand that spawning can be caused by stress but my clams have never spawned and I know for a fact that they are happy from there great growth, color, and response to stimuli. I was simply stating that clams seem to do fine in cooler waters but it's heat stress that usually triggers a spawning event(if it is temp related). You can also inject them with serotonin or use mascerated clam gonads

 

[ezcompany]

i dont think 83 is a cause for alarm for clams. anything above 86 is where they are in threat.