Will Derasa be able to live out its life in a 20 Long?

[10" Red Devil]

Hello I was just wondering if a Derasa Clam will be able to live out its life in a 20L and if not how soon should I transfer it to a bigger tank.

I have had one now in my 20L for a little over 5 months, got it when it was about 2.5 inches it is now about 4 inches.

The setup that it is in is a 20L connected to about an 8 gallon sump.

Lighting is a 150 watt HQI pendent.

Thanks.

 

[grimmjohn]

ON THE HALF SHELL
BY DANIEL KNOP

http://web.archive.org/web/20010211...ork.com/fish2/aqfm/1997/nov/shell/default.asp

Interestingly, this species has two growth phases. During the first phase it exhibits relatively linear growth, increasing the length of the shell by about 5 centimeters (2 inches) per year ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Â a total shell length of about 25 centimeters (10 inches) over the first five years. From that point on, the growth rate decreases drastically. The clam seems to put more effort into thickening its shells, presumably to increase its weight, making it easier for it to withstand water currents once it has detached its byssal attachment and relocated to deeper waters.

http://www.all-glass.com/products/aquariums/standard.shtml
Size Approx. 20 Long
Dimensions 30x12x12
So within the next 2-3 years it will grow to take up about a third of your tank

By the time it starts getting to that size it will probably be a PITA IMO to keep you CA/alk straight, and if you continue reading the link above he states that these guys can suck everything out of the water column to the detriment of other inhabitants. Might want to keep that in mind?

Thats all I know. Good Luck
Cheers,
grimmjohn

 

[10" Red Devil]

Wow! That was extrodinarily helpful! Thanks. I guess I will have to find him a bigger tank at that point then.

Thanks.

 

[grimmjohn]

You're the boss.

Cheers,

grimmjohn

 

[Nuhtty]

I have seen these things get too TALL to be in a 20L