Looking to get a clam..

[vetteguy53081]

+1 on cradle and like the spot you picked out.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I could use a few thousand clams.

 

[OrionN]

Clams will not be harm by having no cradle in the sand in our tank, even Crocea which have a huge byssal opening. I think in the wild attachment is important for small clams, but our tank is not the wild. Larger clams that becasue of their size does not get push around by other animal or current, does not need to attach to anything. I keep all species on the sand without problem. If you are going to keep the clam on the rock structure or in a bare bottom tank, or very thin sand bed, then the cradle is helpful so that you don't have to cut the byssal thread every time you want to move the clam.
I prefer not attach the clam to anything so that I can move, clean, exam the clam when ever there is a need so I I leave most of my clams attachment free.

 

[wjgeese]

Can you explain how tridacna maxima's byssal gland is more susceptible than say derasa or squamosa?

larger opening in maxima....about 1/3 shell length

 

[Zach W]

Can you explain how tridacna maxima's byssal gland is more susceptible than say derasa or squamosa?

Getting confused with some of the differing info going on here. The only reason I was planning on the cradle was because from what I’ve read maximas prefer rock substrates vs sand bed. But I’ve never owned a clam so thus the reason for this thread! Haha

 

[wjgeese]

larger opening in maxima....about 1/3 shell length

google pics if you dont believe me

 

[DSC reef]

Getting confused with some of the differing info going on here. The only reason I was planning on the cradle was because from what I’ve read maximas prefer rock substrates vs sand bed. But I’ve never owned a clam so thus the reason for this thread! Haha

I get it, not trying to confuse. There's some statements I don't fully agree with but it doesn't discredit others opinions as well. I can assure you with a shallow tank it will be fine to place a clam on the sandbed. If you have an actual fireworm it wouldn't matter either way. I try to give advice from personal experience and IMO it will not hurt the maxima to be without a cradle or rock.

 

[wjgeese]

It will not hurt the clam to be placed in the sand without a cradle. A cradle does not protect the byssal gland and a clam cradle will not protect it from a fire worm. The cradle will just make it easier to move if needing more light and help a small clam from falling over. Squamosa and derasa have a byssal gland too and I've kept them on the sand just fine.

once the clam attaches to a small rock and clamps down less lokely to be attacked from below. why anyone would want to unncessarily risk their clams health is beyond me, but by all means have at you!

 

[OrionN]

It is my personal first hand experiences that keeping clams, Maxima, Crocea on the sand un attached is fine. My Crocea grew from 1 inch to about 6 inches over 13?years un attached on the sand.

 

[S2G]

I think everyone has broke me down. Ive got to have a clam

@OrionN good info

 

[DeniseAndy]

I would definitely do a cradle. I made my own for my clams. Helps maximas a lot as they hate being moved about. If you can get one from 3-4" it is a better size to deal with even 4-5". They tend to be easier to keep from my experience. I have kept derasa, crocea, maxima and squammies. Oldest was my crocea that was 6" when I got him and he lived over 11 years with me. My babies were usually maximas and would do great till I left on vacation.
I was not able to right them and feed them and they would die. Darn things. Derasa and Squammies are easier, but take more space.
Good luck!

 

[DeniseAndy]

To clarify, my crocea was large and went directly on sand for 11 years. My derasas and squammies go directly on sandbed. Just maximas I find hate being moved about much and if you need to work in tank or move anything, easier to pick up the cradle and move than the clam itself.

 

[DogsRule]

f

bad idea to put a maxima directly on sand bed without anything underneath to protect its byssal gland. Maximas have a very large opening underneath, where their byssal gland is....leaving it exposed is asking for trouble from hermits, fire worms and other creepy crawlies. if you must put it in the sand place it on a small rock or empty clam shell and bury that in the sand

Kept Maxis, Crocs, Squams, Derasa & Gigas for many years. Never observed any attacked by hermits, fire worms or "creepy crawlies" when just sitting on the sand bed. All those "clam predators" can climb rocks so what difference would it make ?

What you listed will attack a sick or dying clam in no time, but maybe your observations vary from mine.

From your post it sounds like you've had bad experiences with Maxis being "attacked", it could really help the hobby if you posted what actually took place.

As to the OP: I do agree in placing small clams on either a piece of LR rubble or half shell, but it has nothing to do with predation. It is just easier to re-locate once attached to said item. Best of luck & go for it

 

[wjgeese]

ypu made my point in your first paragraph.

 

[DogsRule]

ypu made my point in your first paragraph.

I did? Kinda thought I said the opposite, but glad we can both agree.

 

[Surfzone]

 

[xjiang7]

IMO a cradle is a bad idea if you are not sure your tank is free from pyramid snails. A cradle attached by a clam creates some tight corners for the snail to hide in and basically impossible to brush. On the other hand, if you prefer your clam attached just save some oyster shells next time you eat oysters. Boiling the shell to sterilize and they cost like nothing while provide natural looks