Maxima clam placement.

[WinterHarkins]

So I have had this maxima for 3 months or so now and it’s never attached to anything. He’s open all day every day but is still loose. He doesn’t move either.
Is he doing well?

 

[KrisReef]

If it is adding shell it could be fine. New shell looks white on the edges of the shell when the clam retracts. A picture of the reatracted clam would help evaluate, along with a picture of it fully opened to enjoy and evaluate current situation.

 

[OrionN]

Pictures of the shell. If he is growing then he is doing well. If the shell have no white grow ring then he is not doing well even if he is open and look like a million dollars.

 

[WinterHarkins]

So that’s the best I got today. I’ll get better photos as he opens again.

 

[KrisReef]

Looks kinda weak imo. The growth on the edge appears to have recently stalled, and being pulled in like that make it look very unhappy. Lets see what others have to say?

 

[WinterHarkins]

Looks kinda weak imo. The growth on the edge appears to have recently stalled, and being pulled in like that make it look very unhappy. Lets see what others have to say?

Ok. He’s typically much more open but I poked him to see the shell. Maybe lift him onto the rocks?

 

[GoTakeANap]

Ok. He’s typically much more open but I poked him to see the shell. Maybe lift him onto the rocks?

What par level is the clam sitting in?

 

[KrisReef]

They love lots of light, like 500 par. I would move him up but they tend to fall so you need a place where it can flex its shell but will not fall from.

Heres a general thread on here that could provide lots of details

 

[WinterHarkins]

What par level is the clam sitting in?

Like 150-175

 

[OrionN]

That clam is not doing well. No growth in 3 months. It won’t last much longer sorry.

 

[Tonycass12]

Like 150-175

Way too low. Maximas grow is shallow water in intense lighting. Mine will be over 500par during the peak part of my light cycle. They need the same light intensity as many acros do.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

my clam sits on the top rock directly under metal halide lights. Give them the strongest light you have. They should definately not be on the sandbed.

As mentioned, the clam shell should always have a few mm of pure shiny white growth on the top of the shell. Yours is not growing, unfortunately if its not growing then its probably dying.

 

[minus9]

Like others stated, it's not doing well. Maxima need a solid surface to attach to, sand isn't a solid surface. Move it up to the top of your rocks, but as @OrionN mentioned, it's not looking good long term.
Buy James Fatherree's new book on clams if you're going to keep more clams in the future.

 

[Lonely reefer's]

How big will it get, if it already 5-6" in size when I bough them

 

[Tonycass12]

How big will it get, if it already 5-6" in size when I bough them

Only about 12"