Getting my second clam.... maybe

[Naiad]

I was at the lfs today checking on some lights and as always I had to look at the livestock. When I was looking over the clam tank I saw two small maxima clams not even 2 in. Now I know I can get a much better deal on a much larger clam elsewhere but I started to wonder what chance does this particular clam have if left in a stock tank or worse sold to an inexperienced keeper? So I ask them to hold the clam until my other items came. I am debating on what to do. He appears very healthy right now but I know smaller clams can be tricky. I know I want another clam. Just not sure if I should pay extra for this one or leave him for someone that doesn't know better.

 

[skinz78]

The whole problem with little Maximas IMHO is that people mess with them too much. I put them in the tank and just let them be and they seem to do just fine.

 

[Naiad]

The whole problem with little Maximas IMHO is that people mess with them too much. I put them in the tank and just let them be and they seem to do just fine.

Good to know. The only time I messed with my clam after aclimating it was when he got knocked over. He is a happy thing, always out.

 

[Mercurio]

I have 3 maximas right now. I purchased one of them when it was about the size you're talking about and it has done very well. Make sure it can attach to something and that its getting a lot of light. If it shows any signs of PM (mine did after I got it) I've had a lot of luck with FW dips.

 

[Naiad]

OK I decided to give this guy a go. I am going to drip acclimate him like I do all my inverts. Then plan to put him in a small bowl will a flat piece of rubble so he can attach. I will then move him higher as he adjusts to the t5 lights.

 

[Naiad]

OK I have always been a little confused about pinched mantel. My current clam sometimes has ruffled mantel edges now I alway thought this is because something irritated it but could this be pm? I have attached a pic.

 

[Mercurio]

I think your clam is looking great! In my experience with PM part of the mantle will be partially or fully sucked in. Here is a pic I found of a good example (note I don't own or claim to own this picture!)

 

[Naiad]

So with pm that is what the mantel looks like all of the time? Mine does that from time to time but returns to normal right after. That is what confused me. It is like he is cleaning his mantel. I will keep a close eye on the little one I picked up. I was doing my normal procedure brushing him for pyrimid snails and found a flatworm. So he already had a dip. Didn't find any more so hopefully it was just a passerby. Either way he is in observation right now.

 

[Naiad]

Here is the new baby.

 

[Mercurio]

Looking good. I really like to coloration it has. And yes with pm the mantle usually does not return to normal and in my experience gets worse.

 

[Naiad]

OK I am glad I cleared up my confusion over pm because I am afraid I am becoming addicted to these guys. He is beautiful. My cell phone doesn't do him justice at all. He is also still really jumpy and closes a bit every time I approach the tank.

 

[Mercurio]

Don't worry mine do the same thing. They are extremely sensitive to any changes in light which includes me just walking up to the glass. Clams are very addictive that's for sure!

 

[newlyreefd]

So with pm that is what the mantel looks like all of the time? Mine does that from time to time but returns to normal right after. That is what confused me. It is like he is cleaning his mantel. I will keep a close eye on the little one I picked up. I was doing my normal procedure brushing him for pyrimid snails and found a flatworm. So he already had a dip. Didn't find any more so hopefully it was just a passerby. Either way he is in observation right now.

What did you dip him in? Also, can you dip clams in the same stuff you dip your corals in?

 

[Naiad]

I dip in freshwater that was temperature and pH matched to the aquarium.

 

[Mercurio]

What did you dip him in? Also, can you dip clams in the same stuff you dip your corals in?

Never dip a clam in coral dip.

 

[newlyreefd]

Never dip a clam in coral dip.

Ok that's what I wanted to know. Thanks.

 

[Naiad]

Little worried about him this morning. I started to move him up to higher light yesterday because he was not happy. Now he seems to be gaping and non responsive to shadow. I have to leave now but will be back at lunch time to check on him. I think it is best to leave him alone at this point but any advise would be great.