Clam care

[Whysosalty]

I am looking for a clam. But I have only zoas and a few soft corals in my tank now. My question is, would a clam be able to survive in my tank as I run a radion with 100% on all spectrums 100% except white and red which I run at about 20% for 10 hours a day

 

[Whysosalty]

I also forgot to clarify, I have one radion XR30 over a 60 gallon cube

 

[DSC reef]

I'm not sure on the par for that fixture and intensity you run. I'd suggest a derasa or a squamosa for your system.

 

[Water Dog]

With the limited information provided, at first glance, our lighting should be sufficient to support a clam. What are your big 3 parameters, Alk, Ca and Mg? Do you regularly test these 3 parameters? Clams will require proper maintenance of the big 3 in order to survive and grow as they consume a lot of Alk and Ca. Be it through kalkwasser, 2 part dosing or a calcium reactor, how are you maintaining your big 3 parameters?

 

[Whysosalty]

Kh is 12.1, Ca is 460, magnesium is 1290 , I use reef salt as well as dose kalkwasser in my ATO. I test every week for these three

 

[Greybeard]

A radion over a 60 cube should give you sufficient light. Water quality issues can impact them very quickly... clams need good, stable, reef quality water.

Squamosa, deresa, crocea, hippopus, and gigas (I've had 'em all, at one point or another) seem to be a bit heartier. I know, those jewel colored maximas are hard to pass on, but they've always been a bit more of a challenge to me.

My current tank has been up for 8 months now, after resolving some startup issue, it's been rock solid for a couple of months. I'm still going to wait a few more months before buying clams, but I will eventually have several.

 

[Water Dog]

With the kalkwasser in your ATO to maintain your levels, you should be good to go!

 

[Whysosalty]

My next question is, where does everyone go about getting a clam? I usually shop at Liveaquaria but I’ve heard more jab a few people having trouble with clams on this forum

 

[DeniseAndy]

Main concern with clams is water quality, other inhabitants, light. If it is your first clam, go with a derasa that is at least 3-4". They can use calcium fast, so be aware of that and may need to dose. Squammy would be my second choice for a beginner. Stay away from maximas until you find one 4' or so and have a nice stable and mature tank.

Make sure you have no fish/inverts that will bother the clam.

 

[DeniseAndy]

My next question is, where does everyone go about getting a clam? I usually shop at Liveaquaria but I’ve heard more jab a few people having trouble with clams on this forum

I have always picked mine up at frag swaps or reef events. I did get one from a live sale and it has done great. Just make sure you can see the actual clam, it is not under 3" and it is a good supplier. Look at reviews here and for sponsors here.

 

[Robert Scott]

I would contact Reef Systems in Ohio. They won't sell sell clams until they are ready. I've had great succcess.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I think you will just want to test to make sure you are keeping up.
That’s just a few months growth on a Derasa. Got it in sept.