My first clam

[Cearbhaill]

Here's "Loogie"- my new crocea from Reefer Madness.
A tad over 3"- does it look OK??

It has a very good closing reflex, and attached to the rock cradle I made within a couple of hours of going in. Not gaping (to my eye anyway) and seems to be doing fine.

It is under 8x54W T-5 lighting so I intend to locate him as far up as I have rock to do so with.
What would be the first symptom of inadequate light?
His final position (I'm moving him up in increments) will/can be about 6" from the bulbs.

How can I tell if he is getting too much water flow? He has a pretty extended mantle, but one side is blowing in the breeze a bit. Would he just close if it aggravated him?

I do see some opening and closing movements- I assume these are normal? Not closing totally at all, just slight pulsing movements and a startle when something swims by.

I feed DT's, frozen Cyclop-eeze, and Coral Heaven 2-3 times per week. Is this enough? How large is truly considered large enough that I don't have to worry too much about feeding?

 

[Peabody]

Whew! Nice clam! Looking good!

he may need moved a little in relation to the flow. If it's causing him to retract or pinch that part a little bit, then he needs to be in a little more gentle park

If it's just the current blowing that part a little sometime, that's ok, but if HE is pulling it in, best to adjust. Good luck!

 

[Cearbhaill]

I've adjusted the powerhead that most influences him- all my powerheads are glued to Mag-Floats so I can move them from outside the tank.

To my eye he looks very good.
Of course I have been reading everything I can get my hands on both before his arrival and since.
It's just when you first get a new species all the book learning in the world can't prepare you for the wonder of them actually living in your home. And then you immediately start asking questions even though you just read everything 100 times- double and triple checking everything!

It's very nice to have someone with more experience look in and say "looks OK!".

Thank you Peabody.

 

[JustKeepSwimming]

Clam on live rock opposed to sand

Clam on live rock opposed to sand

Hey guys. Good luck on your first clam
Everyone's told me to only put calms on the sand bed, I have a little deeper tank, and marginal lighting with 2 96 watt power compact bulbs with the 50/50 light scheme. Is that just a bunch of bunk, will they do ok on live rock, or do they become unhappy if they cannot burrow in the sand somewhat. I tkae it there are probably variations on tolernace based on the species as well. So far, I'm looking at Derasa, Maxima, and Crocea clams. Lastly, not trying to sound cruel here, just a thought, can you epoxy them to the live rock? IF that is a ghastly suggestion, please take it that I am just naive a little when it comes to clams at this point. Thanks for suggestions!

 

[Peabody]

Welcome to Reef central!!

Here's the bad news. You do not have enough light for any clam at all. For your setup, you would want 2 250 watt metal halides to keep those clams you listed. They are among the most demanding of creatures light-wise, and can be very difficult in other areas as well.

Sorry to say it, but until you upgrade your lighting, no clams will live. (they usually starve in 4-6 months) If you want to double the number of PCs you have now you could try a lower light species like derasa, squamosa, or hippopus, but it would still be less than ideal.

And no, clams can not be epoxied to the live rock, and their placement in the tank varies by species

If you want to keep a clam, you should read Giant Clams by Daniel Knop before thinking of buying one. It's the holy grail of clam information,l and a must read for all clam folks.

 

[JustKeepSwimming]

Peabody, thanks for the reply, and for not making fun of my epoxy question

Ok, so if I need more lighting...

So far of all the light fixtures I've heard of, I'm most attracted to a power compact metal hallide combo that is supposedly coming out real soon by coralife. I believe the hallide bulb in it is 10k, although I haven't found anything online abouthtis yet. I don't really want to comprimise my room decor by suspending a light fixture from the ceiling over the tank.
Keeping that in mind, do you have any suggestions for a type of fixture/model/brand that would work the best? Are there some models which sit right on top of the glass like my power compact?

Thanks so much for lending your knowledge

 

[Charlie Davidson]

great looking clam! I have several but the color on that one makes me want "just one more" .

 

[Peabody]

Justkeepswimming: There are many fixtures like that available today, but they will need elevated above the tank slightly through legs or something similar. Glass tops are also a no-no.

PCs would be the third choice of many for supplimentation. COnsider T5s or VHOs for supplimentation...they are superior.

Check out all the RC sponsors for these fixtures....I have used and respect marinedepot.com and premiumaquatics.com

ABout coralife....it might be wise for you to consider another brand. Coralife isn't known for high quality MH systems. Their bulbs are also substandard, at best (I know...I used them )

 

[Charlie Davidson]

Cearbhrill, since you moved the power head- is mantel even all the way around shell now? How long have you had the SPS? my guess is you will be looking for MHs very soon.

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

nice clam!