I'm considering a clam

Mr. Prototype · Jun 30, 2008

I think I am getting a clam but I want to provide the right conditions for it! How long does it take it to get large? I would keep it in a 20gL until it got to large for it and then put it in my 55g. I was looking at Maximas but is there one that won't outgrow the 20gL? I have over 6WPG in 10,000K spectrum on the tank and I also use natural sunlight. What things would I need to supplement in the tank to prepare for one and all?

FateX8 · Jun 30, 2008

the genus Tridacnid is translated to giant clam so no there are no tridacnid species clams that wont outgrow any tank...unless its 1000+g tank
the thing with tridacnids is that they are fairly slow growers so you have time before youll need to upgrade or you can always sell it back to the lfs or to another hobbyist

AlexStinson · Jun 30, 2008

I assume you have an established reef system in there, so it should be fine.
I have a maxima in a 14gallon with about the same lighting ratio. I feed dt's phyto and it seems to be gowing very well and has actually colored up more than it was in the LFS

Mr. Prototype · Jun 30, 2008

I would sell it to someone I guess after it outgrows my 20gL then. Thanks for the info guys! The 55g has been up over a year and the 20gL is a recent upgrade from a 10g that was 3 months old.

FateX8 · Jun 30, 2008

oh and another thing, with the smaller clams you need to feed it because their area for photosynthesis is smaller and needs to be supplimented with phyto
atleast i think thats why the smaller ones need to be fed more

Mr. Prototype · Jun 30, 2008

It will be a while seeing as I am fixing to spend about 100$ in corals Thursday but I will get it in the next couple of weeks!

iani · Jul 10, 2008

You don't have to feed smaller clams. Sure they will do better with phyto but its not an absolute must.

ReeferBen · Jul 13, 2008

A crocea's clams maximum size is close to 6" so it wouldnt ever outgrow a 20gl tank. A maxima can get clser to a 12" maximum size but that takes time, lots. Derasas and gigas would outgrow that size tank much faster.

oceanparadise1 · Jul 13, 2008

Dont worry, the clam will be fine. I have a medium size one and a small one. There is no need at all to spot feed them. They are filter feeders and are always moving water throu there bodys. They like water with alot of nutrients. So as long as you have enough light htey will do fine with out any feedings. Also make sure you have enough calcium in your water for there growth!

Mr. Prototype · Jul 13, 2008

oceanparadise1 said:
Dont worry, the clam will be fine. I have a medium size one and a small one. There is no need at all to spot feed them. They are filter feeders and are always moving water throu there bodys. They like water with alot of nutrients. So as long as you have enough light htey will do fine with out any feedings. Also make sure you have enough calcium in your water for there growth!

I was going to buy one just he other day but I got to thinking about calcium and stuff and it got me worried so I got a brain coral instead. I am determined to get a clam eventually once I get confident about my calcium.

oceanparadise1 · Jul 13, 2008

I use reef advantage calcium, i add it once a week, and i have no problems at all maintaining my calcium. The bottle only cost 9 dollars and last a couple of months. Hope that helps.

Mr. Prototype · Jul 13, 2008

I just don't want it altering my pH. A guy told me about some that is in the form of salt and you mix it in f/w and then let it drip in the tank and it doesn't alter pH.

oceanparadise1 · Jul 13, 2008

This doesnt affect my pH at all. My ph stays right around the 8ish mark never dips below 8 never gets higher them like 8.5

Eklikewhoa · Jul 13, 2008

I had a crocea before and it did fine with weekly water changes....right now I am doing a kalk in my top off water and keeps calcium high enough to sustain life that depends on it.

Mr. Prototype · Jul 13, 2008

I may get one in the next month or so. My next big purchase is T5 lighting.:horse:

oceanparadise1 · Jul 16, 2008

Just get one lol! You will be so happy, i was scared for a while, then i got one and i wish i did sooner!

oceanparadise1 · Jul 16, 2008

O and no i wont frag it HAHAHA

Mr. Prototype · Jul 16, 2008

Don't have the money for it right now, I just purchased some lighting and will have to save up for a while.

oceanparadise1 · Jul 16, 2008

Man, i have a guy here in ny, i bought one clam about 4 inchs, its purple blue and greenish for 35 bucks and a smaller 2 inch one(tear drop, the gold one) for 20 bucks! I could get you one and ship it if you would like.

Mr. Prototype · Jul 17, 2008

oceanparadise1 said:
Man, i have a guy here in ny, i bought one clam about 4 inchs, its purple blue and greenish for 35 bucks and a smaller 2 inch one(tear drop, the gold one) for 20 bucks! I could get you one and ship it if you would like.

PM sent to ya!