Maxima ok with SPS/Acros

Lunar Mike · Jun 19, 2018

Hi, I got this clam(6") the other day. I do weekly water changes with Red Sea salt and have not had to dose yet, calcium was 420 yesterday. Only really have a few Acro frags in there now and a few softies.

Do you think I will be needing to dose in a 60 gallon AIO or the clam is too big for my tank(SPS only in the future)? I'm really trying to avoid dosing for long as possible and don't want to keep it if it's going to strip the water too much.

Also, why does their color change so much from the top? These pics were taken with whites only just different angles. Sorry it closed up from my shadow, they are sensitive to light change. Also, is it a regular patterned/color one? Kind of hard to tell since I'm a tad colorblind.

Thanks

DSC reef · Jun 19, 2018

The color changes due to the light reflecting off there mantle, clams look there best top down. As far as dosing you'll most likely need to in the future with or without the clam. As corals grow they will increase uptake. Test regularly and that will tell you if you need to dose. That's a beautiful maxima.

jda · Jun 19, 2018

Be prepared to dose sooner rather than later. It is really important.

TheSchwenkster · Jun 19, 2018

I agree, dosing will likely be needed in at least some minimal fashion a couple times a week depending on demands. I have a smaller biocube that takes 20ppm per day and requires nearly 30ml of two part to stay on point! Not saying you can't keep up with demand with at this point with just WC schedule but you will have to be diligent and not miss a week!

Beautiful clam you have for sure!

Lunar Mike · Jun 20, 2018

Thanks, I plan on testing regularly until I get a feel for what's needed or not.

This is my first clam and would like to keep it long term. Is there anything I should expect or look out for? Any tips would be appreciated.

Sabellafella · Jun 20, 2018

Lunar Mike said:
Hi, I got this clam(6") the other day. I do weekly water changes with Red Sea salt and have not had to dose yet, calcium was 420 yesterday. Only really have a few Acro frags in there now and a few softies.

Do you think I will be needing to dose in a 60 gallon AIO or the clam is too big for my tank(SPS only in the future)? I'm really trying to avoid dosing for long as possible and don't want to keep it if it's going to strip the water too much.

Also, why does their color change so much from the top? These pics were taken with whites only just different angles. Sorry it closed up from my shadow, they are sensitive to light change. Also, is it a regular patterned/color one? Kind of hard to tell since I'm a tad colorblind.

Thanks

Haha! The beauty of clams, enjoy man!
They do slurp some alk and calcium, you'l need to test a little more frequent untill you determine if water changes alone are sufficient. You may be ok for now

TheSchwenkster · Jun 20, 2018

Lunar Mike said:
Thanks, I plan on testing regularly until I get a feel for what's needed or not.

This is my first clam and would like to keep it long term. Is there anything I should expect or look out for? Any tips would be appreciated.

Look for new growth. Monitor for things picking the mantle and pyramid snails. Keep up on maintenance and provide tons of light. Don't forget to enjoy their beauty!

Lunar Mike · Jun 20, 2018

TheSchwenkster said:
Look for new growth. Monitor for things picking the mantle and pyramid snails. Keep up on maintenance and provide tons of light. Don't forget to enjoy their beauty!

I did get a Scopas Tang the same day as the clam.... my LFS didn't mention the size it(fish) would get.

It does pick at the clam sometimes, scares the clam into it's shell, then starts trying to pick at the inside edge of the shell, not so much on the flesh. Worries me, I'd rather have the clam than the fish.

That reminds me. I have a wrasse that likes to spit rocks. I'm sure this is a dumb question but do I need to worry about sand getting into the clam? I would imagine it happens in the wild and clams can clear themselves of dirt and sand/debris but not sure.

TheSchwenkster · Jun 20, 2018

Wrasse is likely ok as the clam would close or clear itself (hopefully).

Depending on the level of harassment received, it could be enough to cause issues without ever damaging the mantle. Would keep an eye on it just to make sure. Clams gotta eat and it has to be open to let light onto the mantle.

Shigshwa · Jun 21, 2018

My wrasses are all sand cannons, they will typically get a few grains on my clams daily. When the clams do their little coughing routine, it usually blasts the grains off.

You'll eventually have to dose as you get more corals in the tank, and I feel like it'd become more cost effective to dose vs throwing out old water with perfectly usable ca/alk, unless water changes are your nutrient export method. It'll also be beneficial for the params to be stable vs having them drop over the course of the week.

Lunar Mike · Jun 21, 2018

I will be looking up some stuff and comparing prices online/LFS.

It's funny how I got into saltwater trying to spend little as possible, even told the wife it won't be like the WC cichlids. Hahahaha, She knew...

Shigshwa · Jun 23, 2018

Lunar Mike said:
I will be looking up some stuff and comparing prices online/LFS.

It's funny how I got into saltwater trying to spend little as possible, even told the wife it won't be like the WC cichlids. Hahahaha, She knew...

That's what we all think, until you realize that it's many smaller transactions adding to a big bill, ha ha. SPS and clams are certainly not cheap to keep, the cost of the livestock and the dosing requirements are high.