New clam - how much stress is too much?

[dlh5150]

I have my first clam (approx 3") in my 120G reef tank. I purchased it yesterday, drip acclimated it, and placed it on the sandbed with a buried piece of acrylic underneath for it to attach to. I originally thought it was a crocea, but now I believe it is a maxima because I can see small ridges on the shell that I can only believe will develop into scutes.

The clam didn't like being on the sandbed and kept moving around. Today, I moved him to a nearby rock and he stayed there for several hours. He still moves when fish swim overhead and my Kole tang keeps cleaning his shell. Will the clam eventually get used to his tankmates or will this be continual stress for him? Any advice?

Thanks,

dlh

 

[Peabody]

Congrats on the new clam. YOu are correct that it's not good to overstress, but due to your lights you will need to move your clam up as high in the rockwork as possible. The closer to your bulbs, the better to up his chances of long term survival. Better for him to learn to love life up there ASAP.

 

[dlh5150]

Sorry, I haven't updated my info in a while. I am running two 250W ROIII Pendants powered by Icecap 250 HQI electronic ballasts. My bulbs are Hamilton 14Ks.

 

[Peabody]

Well, then disregard what I said THe sandbed would be just fine! I say avoid the temptation of moving him too much. If he moves and finds a place where he is happy, just let him be.