should I?

Discussion in 'Clams' started by reefgirl16, May 9, 2012.

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

  1. reefgirl16

    reefgirl16 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2011
    Messages:
    220
    Location:
    Texas
    I've had my aquarium for a year now and I been looking at clams and eyeing them on online stores. From what I understand is that they need strong lighting and moderate flow. I have food to feed it and brine shrimp on the way. Any advice before I take the plunge?
    PantechP7040/JLUS04042011; Mozilla/5.0 (Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1; Opera Mini/att/4.2.16479; U; en-US) Opera 9.50
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2011
    Messages:
    1,911
    First of all-you do not need to feed clams. Especially brine shrimp. Keep an eye on your calcium levels as clams can/will deplete it rapidly. Especially the larger ones. What lights are you running?
     
  4. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    Messages:
    6,166
    Location:
    southeast ohio O-H....
    +1 to nana, first I'd say read up on them a bit more before getting. The only clams ya need to feed are little ones under 1 1/2"s or so. And yes light is the main priority here, as well as maintaining proper praam's. I've managed to keep my 7" crocea, 5" derasa and 3" maxima thriving with just proper tank monitoring.
     
  5. Will0417

    Will0417 Guest

    IME, Clams are incredibly hard to keep alive. One may live 6 months or more but, in the end mine always die a horrible death. If you get one cheap, why not? But I would never buy an expensive one. They also like to walk around in your tank and dislike fine sand(especially sand storms).

    This is just my experience. They look cool for a while...
     
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    You have just unfortunately had bad experiences with clams. A nice flat surface will allow them to attach themselves and keep them from walking. I have a maxima that has been in my tank over 2 years and is thriving.
     
  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    I suggest you both read this thread thoroughly.

    http://www.3reef.com/forums/clams/must-reads-about-clams-75670.html

    All things a side I would try to get a clam larger than 2" as they seem to adjust to capture, transport and acclimation better.
     
    1 person likes this.
  8. Click Here!

  9. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2011
    Messages:
    1,911
    Sorry for your bad experience and a very unusual one at that :( Given proper lighting and water conditions clams are very much a joy to have in our tanks :) Don't give up!
     
  10. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2011
    Messages:
    1,911
    What's your point? Nothing I've read in these links contradicts anything Cosmo nor I have said ;)
     
  11. SAY

    SAY Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2010
    Messages:
    1,462
    Location:
    San Antonio
    But it does cover items that you haven't. ;)

    Also, I have read that it is a myth that smaller clams need to be fed more than their larger brothers.
     
    1 person likes this.
  12. reefgirl16

    reefgirl16 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2011
    Messages:
    220
    Location:
    Texas
    Thanks for the in puts everyone. I read the articles and did some more reaserch of my own so I've decided to wait until I upgrade my lights from OH T5s I'm keeping and eye out for a good deal on some leds. So thanks again for the inputs and ur experiences :)