More New Clam Stuff

[ToniYo]

Hi,

I am receiving today my first clam. It is a crocea that is going in my 75 gal that has been established for 3 years and I have a few questions.

1. Are there any starfish that are clam safe?

2. It is about time for me to get new bulbs for my 250 watt MH. I currently have Ushio but am looking at the XM 15,000K. Has anyone had any experience with these and the clams?

3. If I am going to place the clam midway up on the rock, should I try to get it to anchor to a smaller rock first?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks,

Toni

 

[DrBDC]

I have the xm15000k bulbs but my crocea has only been with me a couple weeks. It "looks" happy though. I know my sps' love them but they went from pc's to the halides and if they could do a happy-jig they would.

 

[cj_basser]

I don't think starfish will do any harm to clams. i have a sandsifter star, and it is doing just fine with 3 clams( 2 croceas, 1 derasa).

Not sure about the MH bulb question. i have the 175w XM 20k, and my clams are doing just fine. I like the blue look, too.

The only reaosn to anchor the clam on a smaller rock would be for convinience for you. If you plan on leavign the clam where you put it, it would have a less likely chance of it falling if it anchors itself to a large rock.

 

[JR719]

I have a huge brittle star and does not bother my clams. My squammy is on the substrate, crocea up in the rocks. My crocea is attached to a smaller flat rock and can be moved easily. My squammy has not yet attached and has been moved several times. It moves on its own frequently. I run XM 250W 10K's so don't know about the 15K's. I would think the "whiter" bulb would be better for viewing clams but everyone has their preference. I think the XM 10K's are a little yellow compaired to the Ushio's, JMO.

 

[Ludwigia73]

Some starfish (more than just a few) make their living prying open clamshells against their will. Be careful what you put in there. I believe linkia's, serpents, brittles, and a star I haven't ID'ed yet (stays small, red, with little black dots all over it) are all safe. Im sure there are others. Also remember, if the mantle gets damaged and the stars smell fresh meat, all bets are off!

 

[jim.l]

My Crocea loves it on top of the reef under 250w 10K ushio's. I have bath a sand sifting starr and a large brittle star. Neither bother the clam. FWIW, My LFS has two displays, one with 10K U and the one beside it 15K ( don't remember brand ), but the 15K is so blue it looks like actinic to my eyes. You really need to see for yourself and decide which you like.