Clam Advice

[CodyRVA]

So, I recently purchased a small clam. So far it's doing great. The only issue i'm having is when my Kole tang is on the prowl for algae and nipping at the rocks and glass, it also hits the shell of the clam. It's doing no harm to the flesh, but i always find the clam laying funny. Does anyone have any tips to keep the clam upright? I've always seen people position their clams with the mouth perpendicular to the bottom of the tank vs parallel, on it's side, but even then I still find it laying funny from the tang hitting the shell. Thoughts or ideas?

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

Tridacna clams are photosynthetic so they will benefit from being positioned mantle side up. The tang isn't a problem unless it keeps the clam from opening.

 

[40B Knasty]

Top of the live rock, but not to high, because when you do your water change. You don't want to leave them hanging dry. My 2" Maxima planted its foot in 2hrs. Soaking up the ATI True Actinic all snuggled in and loving it!

 

[CodyRVA]

Tridacna clams are photosynthetic so they will benefit from being positioned mantle side up. The tang isn't a problem unless it keeps the clam from opening.

Thats the kind I got, I have to reposition it about ever day. Does this type, or all clams, attach with a foot? I was unaware they do that at all. I have it in the sand bed, I really don't think it matters where I put it in regards to trying to keep it upright. The tangs gonna find it one way or another.

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

Thats the kind I got, I have to reposition it about ever day. Does this type, or all clams, attach with a foot? I was unaware they do that at all. I have it in the sand bed, I really don't think it matters where I put it in regards to trying to keep it upright. The tangs gonna find it one way or another.

They will attach if able to. you could try to position some rubble rock around it to help it stay upright.. otherwise move it onto your rockwork, whatever works best for your tank

 

[CodyRVA]

They will attach if able to. you could try to position some rubble rock around it to help it stay upright.. otherwise move it onto your rockwork, whatever works best for your tank

Sweet, I'll give that a go, I have some small rubble I can use, thanks!

 

[AlexG]

While most clams prefer to sit upright on occasion they might turn themselves sideways on their own. In my last clam tank some of the clams would move themselves sideways. I think in part it was because they were close to the glass and turning towards the light being reflected from the glass. I would start with propping the clam up with rubble or moving it into the rock work. If it continues to turn might be that the clam just wants to face a particular direction or something is continuing to move the clam and it might be a good idea to observe or setup a camera to monitor the movement of the clam.