Wanting to buy first clam, research here

[mr pink floyd]

So in my research for clams ive found medium flow, high light, if its under 4" feed lots of phyto

i plan on getting a crocea clam for my 29 gallon, 150 HQI, put it about mid high in moderate flow, i can tarted feed phyto if needed, or just dump in tank, whichever is best

i keep different kinds of SPS fine, and want a clam now

Temp swing is less then 2 degrees a day, calcium is pretty stable around 410, no nitrates/trites, ammonia, phosphates have to be zerp(no nuisance algae what so ever, knock on wood) PH around 8.2 last time i checked

are there any tips or anythign i should know before making a purchase?

what should i look for for a healthy clam?
what are signs of bad health?

anything to help me would be great!


Thanks,

Mike

 

[mbbuna]

the size of the clam has nothing to do with whether it needs to be feed or not. but i would stay away from small clams( under 2").

when you go to look at clams pass your hand between the light and the clam(cast a shadow on the clam) it should react quickly and pull its mantle in then slowly open back up. if there's no or a slow reaction i would be cautious of that clam. also look at the byssal opening (foot). it should be bright white and full, if its gray dont buy it. also look for very small white snails anywhere on the shell. if you see them i would avoid all clams in the same tank