Thinking of trying a clam, advice?

[Scribe]

I'm thinking of trying a clam in my 90. I've been reading a little, but don't have a lot of info on any. I've got 2 250w halides over the tank 1 10k and 1 20K. I've got a one inch sandbed. Is that deep enough for clams? Any pointers on places for good information would be appreciated.

This may be a silly ?, but how do clams reproduce? Have many of you had luck with them reproducing in captivity?

Does anything need to be dosed for clams?

Thanks for any info or tips you can pass on.

 

[iCam]

This may be a silly ?, but how do clams reproduce?

Clams reproduce via sexual reproduction (egg and sperm are released into the water).

Have many of you had luck with them reproducing in captivity?

Some clams will spawn in home aquariums given certain conditions, although not resulting in offspring. JohnL has photos in his gallery of a clam spawning in his tank.

Does anything need to be dosed for clams?

If the clam is small, generally under 3"-3.5", it is wise to feed live phytoplankton. Larger clams should do fine on light alone, considering that it is in sufficient amounts.

I've got a one inch sandbed. Is that deep enough for clams?

It's deep enough. Depending on the type of clam, sandbed or rock placement will be more appropriate.

Any pointers on places for good information would be appreciated.

Continue searching through this specific forum. The message board on ClamsDirect.com generally has some useful threads.

Is there a specific type of clam you are wanting to keep?

 

[Scribe]

nihonjin_anemone,
Thanks for the info. I'm don't know enough about the different types of clams yet to know what I want. I've just seen some at one of the LFS's in the past, that are amazing looking. I do like the metallic blue and green colors I've seen in them....I don't think there limited to a specific kind of clam though.

Are some types a lot more difficult to keep then others? I would assume so.

You mentioned placement on the sandbed or rock being more appropriate...is this just purley being closer to the light if on the rock, or is there a reason not to keep some types on the sand.

 

[iCam]

Are some types a lot more difficult to keep then others? I would assume so.

Generally, croceas are the most light-demanding, followed by maxima. Derasa, giga, and squamosa tend to be less light-demanding, although they still need fairly strong lighting.

You mentioned placement on the sandbed or rock being more appropriate...is this just purley being closer to the light if on the rock, or is there a reason not to keep some types on the sand.

Some types of clams prefer to be attached to the rockwork, whereas some prefer to be placed on a sandbed.

 

[dvmsn]

My advice, don't buy one unless you have a lot of money to spend on your new addiction

 

[gcrowptc]

Heck this whole hobby is an addiction that costs $$$$$

 

[JR719]

After your first one your hooked. I have a squammy on the sand bed. It's doing fine and showing good growth. I have a crocea up high in the rocks. I have only had this one for around a month and it is doing fine. Other than usual maint I have to add calcium to the tank. A combination of sps and clams. Just monitor your params and don't make violent swings. If something is out of whack, take it slow to get it back. You should do fine. I would suggest a squamosa to start. IMO they are the easiest to keep.

 

[calvin415]

Definately addicting... Started with a Hippo, then added a Squamosa... a few weeks later a Derasa, another few weeks a Crocea, and now last weekend 3 Maximas... and looking for room so I can get more.

 

[tomterreefic]

want a clam huh?

want a clam huh?

Heck this whole hobby is an addiction that costs $$$$$

you got that right. If you don't believe so then try to go the cheap routes. you often wind up spending more money than if you had just ponied up for the proper equip. to begin with.
My first clam was a 3" Squamosa. It is in a 10 Gal. reef with 110W PC light over the top. The clam sets right down in the sand. And he's happy as a clam. Imagine that.

I second going with a Squamosa to start. They are less demanding than others. And as everyone has stated: Once you buy the first one and it lives, you're hooked. You find yourself shrugging off some nice corals at the LFS in favor of that new Crocea or Blue Maxima or whichever clam becomes your favorite. But it's a nice addiction. Good Luck with your clam quest. You won't be sorry.