Newbie question about clams

[jfloydr]

I have a 20L tank (specs and fish listed below). Is tank big enough? What type of lighting do you need for clams? Currently, I have just a 20W NO but want to upgrade. Is ac 65W PC enough or do I need more? How old does my tank need to be? What do you feed a clam? Most of the clams I have seen are called Maximas and they are blue in color. I want to add some blue color to my tank and was going to get a blue linkia but after researching them i have determined that they are to hard to keep plus my tank is not mature enough. When, and should I even consider getting a clam?
Thanks,
Jeff:bounce1: :beer: :bounce2:

 

[Pfittttz]

Metal hallide IMO is a must for maxima clams. I would let the tank mature about 6 months or more before adding a clam. You need to make sure Calcium and Alkalinity levels are good before adding a clam to your tank.

My clams eat DT's phytoplankton. The general rule of thumb is clams over 3" don't need to be fed if they have proper lighting, because the symbiotic algae in their mantles and the nutrients they absorb from the water can give them all the nutrition they need. Some people still do feed clams over 3", some don't. I feel that it can't hurt to feed anything as long as you do it correctly.


here is a chart of the different types of clams and some of their needs
That also gives you an idea of how big some of the clams can get. Good luck

 

[elefink]

Just a warning: starfish eat clams.

 

[lebowski]

blue linkia but after researching them i have determined that they are to hard to keep plus my tank is not mature enough.

And you also don't have a large enough tank. Do you have 100+ lbs of live rock? I didn't think so

Just a warning: starfish eat clams.

So you say my linckia is going to eat my clam? And it's been reported and marked as reef-safe? Uh-oh, better listen to you and get it out of the tank....

NO, starfish don't eat clams, there are species that do, but they need larger tanks, and are not so common.... Serpants, brittles and such won't.. But stay away from general or african knob sea stars.... They can cause some trouble...

 

[lebowski]

Of course there are some clams that get picky and decide to eat something not reported... The logical thing to do is to get rid of it.. Or find out the cause... Starvation etc....

 

[Fish-o-holic]

If you really want to keep a clam, I would go with MH's or at least VHO's. A 175w MH would be perfect for your application. You can probaly get away with a kit for around $150-$200 depending on where you shop.

I waited 1y 6m before adding my first clam. On the other hand, 6m for some ppl if they feel their tanks have become stable/mature. I would suggest going with at least a 3" clam for your first clam once the lighting requirements are met. Ask here if you need more clam info.

 

[Pfittttz]

I want to add some blue color to my tank and was going to get a blue linkia but after researching them i have determined that they are to hard to keep plus my tank is not mature enough.

I must say that doing the research and deciding against it was the responsible thing to do.

This hobby needs more people that do research first. I commend you.

 

[jfloydr]

I guess I'll have to skip the clam also if it needs that much light. I was going to get a 65W PC for $100. Thats all I want to spend on lighting for this tank because I am going to be setting up a lager tank when i get done building my house and move. Maybe a 180 gallon. I will put metal halides in that one. Plus my current tank probably wont be ready for a clam until later anyway. I'll just wait until I get my 180 setup and mature enough and then get a clam. Thanks for the help.
Jeff

:bounce2: :beer: :bounce1:

 

[Pfittttz]

I understand the importance of adding colors to a tank.........

Maybe some blue mushrooms? blue mushrooms The mushrooms I have grew really well when we had pc's on that tank.



another pic

I think they are a pretty blue and would probably do well in your tank.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

My blue mushrooms turned red & green under my lights (MH). In my 30g (NO) they are still blue. So what you buy blue (not clams - linkia) may not stay blue...