Gigas Grow Out Thread

[Troy V]

Clams feed on phytoplankton. I have a bunch of frozen phytoplankton from the days that I breed clownfish so I decided to start to feed my clams. I keep my small clams in a bucket close to the surface in my lighted sump so it is easy to make an enclosure to keep the phytoplankton from dilute to the rest of the tank. Did this by cut out the bottom of another bucket. Since the bucket is tapper, wider on top so this work out perfect

Here are the clams without the feeding bucket on top. I actually took this picture after I feed them this AM

Feeding and clearing of Phytoplankton after 30 mins

I will be experimenting with the feeding regiments and will observe and see how my clams do with regular feeding.
This contraption is not perfect yet. There is a gap at the bottom so the phytoplankton can leak out. I will raise the clam bucket a little so the feeding contraption seal this gap, by pushing into the sand. This afternoon feeding there will be no gap. Will see how fast the clams “eat” the phytoplankton.

https://www.int-res.com › mepsPDF
Contributions of phototrophic and heterotrophic nutrition ... - Inter Research

Here is a link to a fascinating study that supports the feeding of your young Gigas.
Also it states that scientist understand very little about the feeding habits of giant clams. This is why I never understood the absolutes when it comes to not feeding clams. Especially when I've read other study that showed they will often switch back and forth between food sources. Also they have the ability to descriminate between particulate organic matter as well.

 

[OrionN]

@Troy V
your link doe snot work can you check. I would love to read this study

 

[Troy V]

Google: Contributions of phototrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.

It is the first result for me with that search.
For some reason I can text the study but I can't cut and paste it.

 

[OrionN]

About 1/3 inch shell growth and a little more than 1/2 inch in clam length growth since 7/11/19

 

[Huff747]

About 1/3 inch shell growth and a little more than 1/2 inch in clam length growth since 7/11/19

Those Gigas are eventually going to take up so much space you better just send me that squamosa so it doesn't get crowded out.

 

[lonelyfloat]

Those Gigas are eventually going to take up so much space you better just send me that squamosa so it doesn't get crowded out.

No, send me that squamosa!

 

[Asagi]

Are there any growth threads with members doing this same thing years ago? I’d like to see their long term progress?

 

[Aframereef]

Are there any growth threads with members doing this same thing years ago? I’d like to see their long term progress?

Gigas with about 4 years of growth.

 

[rsepiphyte1]

I love this thread on gigas clams. Just a "heads up" Live Aquaria has just dropped the price from $219.00 to $139.99! For those of you who like myself have been waiting for the price to drop now is the time to buy! Happy Reefing!

 

[hart24601]

Thoughts on this gigas from divers den?


I don’t see any new growth and the coralline almost looks to be growing inside the shell from mantle retraction. Considering how fast these grow it seems odd to me. Not thinking about buying it, but curious what people think.

 

[OrionN]

^^^
Definitely not a healthy Gigas. I would not buy this one.

 

[OrionN]

Looking at all the Gigas on DD. None appear healthy at this time. No growth. Wonder what is going on?

 

[jsvand5]

Seems like DD needs to completely sterilize their clam system. I know of no one, including myself, that has had a clam survive from them. Hopefully some people out there have better luck with their clams.

 

[Aframereef]

This is why I was so excited to hear the normal liveaquaria orders go to ora and are shipped from Florida.

 

[DogsRule]

This is why I was so excited to hear the normal liveaquaria orders go to ora and are shipped from Florida.

I thought only the actual ORA items shipped directly from Florida.

Anyhow might as well post a quick Gigas update. Pushing 3 inches in length now & I would say it has doubled in size already. Appears to be very happy.

 

[Aframereef]

Sorry I ment the gigas ship from ora if you buy from liveaquaria

 

[OrionN]

I thought only the actual ORA items shipped directly from Florida.

Anyhow might as well post a quick Gigas update. Pushing 3 inches in length now & I would say it has doubled in size already. Appears to be very happy.

This is tank buster growth.

 

[jsvand5]

Here’s an update on mine. It’s put on half an inch of growth since I got it. Maybe a little more. The netting is just to avoid letting the copperband get any ideas.

 

[OrionN]

My Gigas today, Grew about 1 inch since 7/11. Now about 3 inches+. Normally they open more than this but I like to show the shell. Picture later today when they are fully open.

 

[Shigshwa]

I'll throw in my growout setup here, a floating raft to bring them close to my lights. Tank is heavy on the skimming, but also heavy on doses of phyto. Am I foolish for growing them in such a small tank (for now)? Well, I have an Apex dosing 2-part by the hour, so..