So I think I want a clam..

Discussion in 'Clams' started by irr0001, Jun 24, 2009.

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  1. irr0001

    irr0001 Purple Tang

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    ..and i trust you all more than myself! So tell me what you think

    150w Halide..tank has been set up for 7 months..calcium is always maintained for my LPS's..no clam eating fish/inverts..and a perfect spot 2/3 the way up directly under the light

    is there anything i should know or consider before making the purchase?

    Thanks,
    Ivan
     
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  3. z.vernon

    z.vernon Bristle Worm

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    i think you've got it under control man! hop on the clam train... im sure somebody will actually have some information for you though.
     
  4. madlarkin

    madlarkin Peppermint Shrimp

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    With clams, picking a healthy one is key. Sounds like silly advice, but don't take any risks on rescuing or rehabbing because it rarely works and they can go south fast.

    Despite what you think is the perfect spot, expect them to wander a bit before they settle in. Both my squammys are happy in the sand bet on a rock, as is one of my maxima but the other two maximas settled into the rock work.

    Alot of research these days is showing that small juvenile clams are entirely dependant on filter feeding is incorrect, but they still do benefit from a nutrient-rich enviroment. Feeding something like DT's Phyto is beneficial, but don't go overboard or you will just end up with a ton of nusiance algae and could end up hurting the clams.

    Also, expect your calc levels to drop. Pay attention and adjust accordingly and you should be fine.
     
  5. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    that imo will work just fine. ive got one in a 24" deep tank under t5's on the substrate and its doin quite well. and you havin your calcium nice and steady , it will flourish
     
  6. irr0001

    irr0001 Purple Tang

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    wonderful info..thanks..i'm still kind of confused as to how they move...
     
  7. z.vernon

    z.vernon Bristle Worm

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    if im not mistaken i believe they have a "foot"
     
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  9. irr0001

    irr0001 Purple Tang

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    i believe i remember reading a while back that certain species prefer rocks and others prefer the sandbed...is this true?
     
  10. madlarkin

    madlarkin Peppermint Shrimp

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    When they rapidly close they can sorta knock themselves around or just plain let go and fall. Once they find a spot that works they will lock in with bysal threads and its a bad idea to move them if at all avoidable.

    Maximas and Croceas are typically happier higher up and in the rocks while Squamossa, Dersa and Gigas prefer lower substrate. There are always exceptions, though. Like I said, 1 of my 3 maxima is happier on a flat rock in the sand while the other two are in the top of the tank and perfectly content.
     
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  11. tigermike74

    tigermike74 Panda Puffer

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    Remember that clams need some nitrates in the tank to thrive, they like "dirty" water. As stated, the main thing is to get a healthy clam. When you get one, it is IMPORTANT that the supplier does not just rip him out of the tank, the byssal thread and byssal gland will get severed and the clam will die, unfailed. Many clams base themselves on rock, if they are placed in the sand, they will bury themselves in the sand and attach to the glass. If you get a small clam, it will need to be fed phyto everyday, at least a couple times a day. Once it gets bigger, it will feed through the lighting and will require less phyto. Mine is fed once a week now.
    When you put him in the water, start off at the bottom so it can get adjusted. If the lighting is too strong, the mantles will bleach. It will start off as a white dot and then spread. If it is spreading the mantle out and gaping, move it up. To give you an idea, my clam is on a rock on the sand in my 20G tall tank (~20" deep) under the 70w MH and it is fine there.
     
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  12. irr0001

    irr0001 Purple Tang

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    my tank should be good with the nitrates then..they're steady around 15 ppm..I've got a few a open spots at different levels in the tank..so hopefully i'll be able to find a good place for it..thanks yall!

    Ivan
     
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