i know nothing about clams but have questions

Discussion in 'Clams' started by dinkanber, Feb 10, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. dinkanber

    dinkanber Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    250
    Why are they considered hard ?
    Can you have a clam in a 24 gallon tank?
    Can you have a clam under t5s with blue leds?

    I have stayed away from them seeing i have only been doing this for less then a year.Also i am still in my starter tank with t5 50/50s and blue LEDs.

    Today i went to my LFS who has a new jbj tank set up with the same lighting and they have two clams in the tank and seem to be doing well.I asked about it and the guy snickered and said clams are not as hard as everyone makes them out to be.
    So whats your take on this?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    These are my feelings on clams.

    Get a clam larger than 2 inches.
    Know the signs and symptoms of both Pyramid snails and Pinched Mantel Disease.
    Know the proper placement or preferred for each type of clam ie: Crocea up high , Derasa in the sand bed.
    Assume you will have to dose as the clams get larger.

    I can not comment on the LED lighting but most T5 lighting is fine.
    Yes you can keep them in smaller tanks, knowing that some get large and you may have to move them or sell them.

    Lastly no I do not feel they are difficult. Start with a good specimen that reacts quickly to light and shadow, has good mantel extension and good coloration. Check for the presence of Pyramid snails prior to purchase.
     
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2012
  4. dinkanber

    dinkanber Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    250
    what is a good kind to start with?
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
  6. ibefishy

    ibefishy Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2009
    Messages:
    1,021
    Location:
    Ca
    Depending on the clam and where it is placed T5's are fine. I have T5's and curremtly keep 5 very happy clams all on the bottom of the tank. They are about 26" away from the lights. I have some Derasas, Squamosa, and Maximas and Croceas. I was actually surprised the Crocea didnt want more light but it is happy on the bottom.
    As far as most clams go just keep an eye on your calc, alc levels and most clams should be fine.
    I agree with them not being difficult.
     
  7. dinkanber

    dinkanber Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    250
    thanks guys.i have always loved them .just seemed to be untouchable for me.Now i think i might get one
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. ibefishy

    ibefishy Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2009
    Messages:
    1,021
    Location:
    Ca
    My clams are my favorite inhabitants. Just keep in mind certain wrasses and angels can nip at the mantle. There are probably other fish that will also, but I had a wrasse kill two of my clams.
     
  10. dinkanber

    dinkanber Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    250
    I have a clown,firefish,bi color blenny and a dimond goby and thats all i plan on having as far as fish.
     
  11. ibefishy

    ibefishy Montipora Capricornis

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2009
    Messages:
    1,021
    Location:
    Ca
    You should be fine. One of my Derasas actually hosts one of my clowns. Jost posted that pic on another thread also.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. dinkanber

    dinkanber Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    250
    Thats awesome. I'm gonna pick one uP tomorrow. Do I need to feed these guys at all or do they just filter feed what's in the tank. I have an alvepora that I feed three times a week so my tank is staying on the nutrient rich side.