Advise on getting a clam?

[benha]

I really like the color on maxima clams and would love to get one. I heard they can be challenging to keep alive and absorb large amounts of calcium. If I have had success with sps corals, should I be okay with getting a clam?

Thanks!

 

[James M]

Need more info on your tank

 

[benha]

I've got a 40 gallon tank with stable parameters. Not sure if my tank would be too small for a clam.. Heres a pic:

I'm thinking of investing in a dosing system to keep things in check...

Need more info on your tank

 

[benha]

also running 2 ai hydra 26 lights*

 

[James M]

Nice tank !! Your tank is big enough for the clam and your lights are great too. As long as you keep your tank parameters stable and buy one bigger than 2” you good to go.

 

[VSVP bet]

You could also go with one of the hardier clams like a derasa if youre at all worried. Also, all aquacultured clams are hardier than wild or maricultured clams, they are more accepting to the 'unnatural' light they receive in a reef tank (in the wild obviously they receive sunlight, in a tank they receive man made lights that mimic sunlight.)

 

[catfishblues]

Getting a doser is usually a good idea because it keeps it very stable. I've had a few clams with almost no troubles (one got pinched mantle but a fw dip cured it). They like same parameters as coral and like somewhat higher light but I've had success in moderate light. You have enough light and I'd say you'd be fine getting a Maxima, get an aquacultured one then show us pics! [emoji106]

 

[jsker]

I had one, and I am think of getting another. @DSC reef or @Lovemyreef2015 would be my go to for help

 

[hart24601]

If possible buy locally after stock has been in their tanks a few weeks and check to see if the clam has bright white growth at the edge of the shell. If you can't see that white new growth then pass on the clam!

 

[DSC reef]

For your first clam I'd recommend a derasa or squamosa. It will take a while to really notice a difference in calcium consumption so I would'nt go buying more equipment just yet. FWIW, we had 6 clams going in a 75 with one being 12" and still manually dosed. Lighting will be a key factor with clam success. I like to visually inspect clams before purchase otherwise try ordering from a reputable retailer like pacific east aquaculture, ORA, etc. Maxima clams can be tougher due to there lighting requirements.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

+1^^ you got really good advice above. Both derasa and squamosa are very beautiful clams.

 

[Stickboy15]

What are recommended tank sizes for species of clams

 

[VSVP bet]

What are recommended tank sizes for species of clams

Depends on stability. If you had a 30 gallon tank with perfect levels 24/7, anything would do fine (this is excluding the size the calm will grow to). However, in reality this is rarely the case. Larger tanks are easier to keep stable. I dont have a definite number for you, but i would say a 40br would be ok as long as levels are good. But prob 75 or above for most.

 

[DSC reef]

What are recommended tank sizes for species of clams

You can grow a clam in smaller tanks as long as parameters are kept stable and the uptake is met including proper lighting requirements. The issue would be rehoming or upgrading the tank once the clam out grew the space.

 

[mta_morrow]

@DSC reef guided me while I got my first clam.

A 5” deresa. Take his advice and follow it and you will be fine.

 

[Hogan]

With clams, the smaller they are the more sensitive they are. Also, when you first get one, make sure you "burp" it to get any air out of it. Also, make sure you check it thoroughly for pyramid snails and polyclad flatworms (these tricky suckers look just like the mantle.)