how to tell if a clam is happy?

I just bought a crocea clam about a week ago. I love it! It has a purple mantle and is about two inches long. I have been reading many posts about clams and I wanted to know how can you tell if a clam is happy, meaning appropriate lighting, food, etc? I have read that if the mantle is out too far, it means it is not getting enough light, how do you know if the mantle is being over extended? Thanks for any input

 

Just ask if it is happy! I look at the growth of my clams to tell if they are happy. Also they will extend their mantle so far that it causes one of their valves to "gape" when they aren't getting enough light. For some reason, you can just look at a clam and tell if it's not happy. It's just one of those things where it just doesn't look right. You'll be able to tell. Don't worry yourself too much.

 

Most clams I've asked have said they're as happy as a. . well. . you know. ..

 

You'll know if he dies. JK, what kind of lighting do you have, where is here?

 

'Annick done a great article on clams......enjoy!
http://www.3reef.com/forums/clams/intro-giant-clams-37258.html

 

I have 216 watts of t5 lighting, I have him placed in the top third of a 55 gallon tank.

My clam, a crocea, does have a fairly large intake valve, but ive looked at pictures of other clams and this seems normal for this species. If possible, can you be a little more specific, if you want I can take a pic. of mine and see what people think. thanks again

 

A pic would be nice. here's a pic of mine (crocea)

 

Mine are open more than that.

 

The fact that the mantle is fully extended over the shell is not a good indicator of whether the clam is happy or not as not all species of clam extends their mantle over their shell!
Lighting indicator is best represented by the mantle bleaching...or not!
Clams are very efficient filter feeders, hence their ability to feed on nitrates, phosphates and other dissolved organics found in the pelagic areas of your aquarium.
Yes, lighting is very important to the health and success of your clam, but that is only part of it and if anyone tells you that lighting alone is going to lead to the demise or long term success of your clam is off the mark!
Response to changes in the amount of light such as when you place your hand under the light source, often times causes a clam to close(external stimulus) somewhat like a reflex movement. This is one way of determining the health of your clam.
Positioning of each species of clam is crucial as well as the color of the clams mantle. For example, clams exhibiting blue and/or purple colored mantles are often more delicate than those with green and/or brown.
Crocea and Maxima clams are more delicate than the Squamosa, Derasa, Gigas and Hippopus species of Tridacna clams.
Calcium and alkalinity must be maintained at high levels and pH should be around 8.2-8.4 with stability being the key word regarding these three variables.
The byssal threads should be intact at the bottom of the clam as well as the inhalant syphon should not be "gaping" to expose the clams delicate gills within.
These are some helpful hints to aid you in your success with these beautiful animals!!!

 

Thanks, Coral Reefer!! I always makes me so happy when someone gives such a wealth of information to those who can use it!

Your posts are educational, and I like reading them.

Thanks again!!;D