Should i buy a clam? PICS ADDED!

Discussion in 'Clams' started by Toallhisdoom, Sep 10, 2012.

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  1. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    So was at my LFS yesterday and they have about 4 or 5 clams. They are about 6"-8"! biggest i have seen in person.

    Gold maxima i believe was around $50. I have a reefbreeders 120w led fixture over my 75(140gal total system volume) would this be sufficient lighting?

    Would i need to dose calcium for a clam that big? my calcium usually sits around 540.

    anything else i should know about these clams? what would be the best first(2nd, 1st one died but this was when i first started and didn't even have an established tank) starter clam? i believe that had dersa, crocea, and maxima. All were pretty and huge!

    thanks for any tips guys :)
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2012
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  3. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    will go tonight and snap some pics of these beauties!
     
  4. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    tagging along.... be sure to post some pics! all i know about clams are that they consume huge amounts of calcium and require perfect water conditions with excellent lighting. And just wondering... why is your calcium level so high?
     
  5. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    will deff get some pics! i am not sure, it has always been that high. So would regular water changes provide enough cal? or would i have to start dosing?
     
  6. nc208082

    nc208082 Zoanthid

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    What is your mag and alk at? As i recently went through this bought, if your mag isn't at appropirate levels, your calcium wont budge in numbers, maybe why yours doesn't move from 540.

    As per your question your light fixture is fine, and you will only need to dose calcium if it is dropping below 400.
     
  7. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    i do not have a mag test. My dKH was low at around 6. I used super buffer dKH this morning after i tested so hopefully that will bump it up. But going to get instant ocean salt mix tonight so hopefully a few water changes with it will even it out.
     
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  9. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    I've had 3 clams in my tank for awhile now (3" maxima, 5" derasa, and a 5-6" crocea) and have kept up with the param's with just WCs off about 10%. recently I just started using kalk in my ATO water to extend the necessary WC, now I do about 10% every other week.

    Maxima's are generally rec to be high up on rocks, HOWEVER, they can jump and hurt themselves, as mine did twice, so I left her in the sandbed and she's been happy there for months. Something to think about.;)

    Good luck
     
  10. nc208082

    nc208082 Zoanthid

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    I was in the same boat as you, I didn't realize how important Mag levels needed to be, after correcting them, everything else has worked itself out, the calcium and alk and ph have all stabilized since balancing my mag issue. I would pick up a mag test and supplement as well as the salt.
     
  11. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    hmm alright, well what would you recommend for a first clam? what one will be hardiest?
     
  12. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    I believe Derasa's are believed to be the hardiest, but a maxima that size should be ok, just don't get one under 2"s.