Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Anyone having any luck keeping the smaller maxima clams? I talking about the ones that are 2". Do they require feeding?
Thanks
Thanks
Small Maxima clams
- Thread starter Znut Reefer
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Thunderstruck34
Member
So far so good for me, only had mine for about a month tho so not the best indicator for success but very reactive and he's growing so thats good. As far as feeding I only squirt a bit of phytoplex in the tank near the clam once a week. Ya hear a lot of conflicting reports on whether or not clams of that size need to be fed or not. I figure rather be safe than sorry.
Thunderstruck34
Member
see what i mean?
IFbettas
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15265987#post15265987 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ohiomom
If they are smaller than around 2-3" supplemental feeding is suggested. When they are that small they generally are NOT self sufficient. I would supplement with phytoplankton 2-3 times a week. At the very least it couldn't hurt..
Recently it has been suggested that this is not true. Experiments have been done with putting small clams in sterile environments with no supplemental feeding. Then they put other clams in tanks where they got fed. Both batches of little clams survived and grew at the same rate. Also, if you read in Fatheree's book he goes on for a whole chapter about this misconception. I do agree though that it couldn't hurt anything to feed them as long as you don't overdo it.
DSR
New member
I've read the same studies (or cuttings from them as well...) My maxima is about 2" on a good day. Although I don't know if it helps, I do dose phytoplankton once or twice a week (7.5ml) If he eats its he eats it... but it also goes to the other critters in the tank that like the little stuff (like the sps, etc).
James Fatheree's book Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium. James spoke to us last year and said clam feeding is bunk and was basically created by DT's. Clams can get all of the food they need from light from the get go as there have been studies of clams taken right from "birth" and given NO nutrients and maintained for 10 months+ on light alone in filtered seawater. This is a great book btw, Tridacnid nutrition starts on pg 45 if you get the book
. He also suggested getting a clam in the 3"+ range, as they can die "all of the sudden" when young. 3"+ seem to be hardy from studies.
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Thanks for the replies. I got a couple of them and we'll see how they do.
Maximus Clammus
In Memoriam
Maximus Clammus
In Memoriam
UWUALineman
Member
I have a Gold Maxima up high in the rockwork, roughly 15'' from 8x54 T5 and about 2'' and has been doing great for the past three months. No supplemental feeding.
Do not spot feed my Derasa either.
Do not spot feed my Derasa either.
UWUALineman
Member
Liveaquaria
DSR
New member
I have found all my little clams at two different LFS in my area. I have a small maxima and a slightly larger derasa. Both are doing great now. The maxima is really starting to grow and it extends its mantle like a champ. The derasa has always done well. Hope to be getting a small Crocea soon.
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