Which one to choose???

[ZooZ]

Ive done some research on clam care and im finally ready to get some. I have a 26G bowfront tank and wanted to pick up 2 crocea clams this weekend. I havent read anything about how to identify which clam is healthy amongst the 100's the LFS has? What should I look for when choosing a clam? How long should I acclimate it (drip acclimation method)? Any other comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[skinz78]

If it looks good and has good mantle extension, intake siphon is not gapeing open. Have the sales person flip the clam over to make sure it doesn't have pyramid snails underneath. Also do a search for pinched mantle on here, if any of the clams in the display have signs of this do you self a favor and hold off. There is alot of them for sale on the net right now.

I use a piece of air hose with a very slow drip. put the clam and the water it came in in a bowl and then put the bowl in a bucket. let the bowl fill and overflow into the bucket for about 15-30 min.

 

[mscarpena]

Take a look at it make sure there are no small sanil on the bottom of it. Also good solid color no white spots, no holes in the shell, good mantle expansion, and get one at leat 2-3 inches. Also drip acclimation for about 30-45 minutes and it should be fine

 

[ZooZ]

thanks alot guys!! You think it would be ok to get 2 3" crocea at once for my 26g?

 

[unbreakable]

yeah it shouldnt be a problem as long as you have good paramters, calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and keeping it stable. i see you have a 250w light over your tank so it should be good also. i have a 28g with a crocea and a couple maximas and a deresa in the tank with a 250w mh over it. just check everything that people have told you to check for and make sure it has a good reaction to lighting by blocking the light from the clam. theones at my lfs are faded and dont react too well

http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1911 ive used the methods of acclimating in this thread and ive been successful, even with my first clam.

this thread shows how to ID by looking at the shell of the clam:
http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1994