Looking to get my first clam! Advice please

Pete H. · Nov 6, 2013

Hey experts! I am hoping to make the plunge into the world of clams. I have a 135 gallon tank. Reef tank with lots of zoas, some lps , and several sps . Hoping to add my first clam in a couple weeks. I have been doing research on them and would like any helpful info I should know. Such as but not limited to:

1. Which would be recommended to start with?

2. Is there a certain size I need to get?

3. How do you pick out a healthy clam?

4. Tricks to acclimating?

5. How to monitor health?

6. Any advice not typically covered by basic info guides?

looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say. I have been reading about them lots but want to make sure I have everything covered before I move one of these beautiful creatures into my tank. I really want the best for them!

Tahoe61 · Nov 6, 2013

1. Since you're able to keep sps you must have significant lighting to keep any of the common clams available.
2. Personally I try to get clams over 2 inches.
3. Colorful mantle, responds quickly to movement and shadow, mantle is fully extend and shows no signs of PMD, absence of Pyramid snails. Both shells aline properly. Incurrent and excurrent siphons normal in appearance, no gabbing.
4. Acclimate to temp, pH and SG. I am not a huge fan of drips. Burp clam upon introduction.
5. Watch for PMD and Pyramids, do not place in rock work were the clam has the potential to fall. Acclimate to lighting, and resist urges to move clam around if the clam is doing well in it's current placement. Personally I feel Crocea do better in a depression in the rock work.
6. Monitor and adjust Ca/Mag/Alk as need.

They are relatively easy to sustain if you are able to sustain sps, just keep a close eye on the big 3 chemistry values.

Pete H. · Nov 6, 2013

Thanks for the input. From a light standpoint, I should be ok I think. I have anywhere between 100 to 350 par at the sand bed depending on the location in the tank. I figured I would start the clam somewhere in the tank where the par is around 150-200 and then let him get use to the light. A few follow up questions.

1. What are the recommended Ca/Mag/Alk measurements for clams? is 420/1380/8.5 reasonable?

2. How do you tell the difference between PMD and the clam just partially closed up?

3. What does incurrent and excurrent siphons normal in appearance look like? Any obvious signs to avoid?

Thanks!

Tahoe61 · Nov 6, 2013

Those values are fine for the big 3.
PMD is a ruffling of the edges of the mantle, once the clam is remaining partially closed the disease is advanced.
When they gab you can usually see right into the internal structures of the clam pretty well. The edges will appear saggy around the siphons. Often you see a little gabbing during initial acclimation.

Matt888 · Dec 7, 2013

Can't go wrong with a Deresa for your first one and they do come in a nice variety of mantle patterns. They are hardy and typically double in size every 1-2 yrs if you're looking to have a large specimen quickly. Love mine!

Hurricane Aquatics · Jan 7, 2014

Agree with Matt,

Get you a Derasa, they are great first clams and do well under most conditions. Here is mine.

ORA Derasa Clam by Mediumjasonp, on Flickr

ohio reefer · Jan 7, 2014

I can't keep a Duresa alive. I've attempted two. Both died relatively quickly. I've been able to keep every other clam and they are thriving.

NanaReefer · Jan 7, 2014

I've had my T. Crocea for almost 3yrs. About 12" from my T5HO on a half clam shell sitting on the rock. I didn't acclimate nor burp it. It was 3" upon arrival to my tank.
I keep my parameter steady via bi-weekly 20% WC's. No dosing anything. It's now 6"

Can't keep an sps alive no matter how hard I try-lol.

Pete H. · Jan 8, 2014

JPowell490 said:
Agree with Matt,

Get you a Derasa, they are great first clams and do well under most conditions. Here is mine.

ORA Derasa Clam by Mediumjasonp, on Flickr

Thanks guys for all the help. I did finally decide to get one a few weeks back and went with a Derasa. Very similar looking to yours actually.

billrob71 · Jan 8, 2014

Nice looking clam but watch out once you get bit by the clam bug it s tough to stop getting them

Pete H. · Jan 8, 2014

billrob71 said:
Nice looking clam but watch out once you get bit by the clam bug it s tough to stop getting them

Thanks for the warning. Unfortunately, I am afraid it is too late! lol. I keep looking at photos on line thinking about which one I am going to get next. haha.