Ultra Maxima

[kingfisherfleshy]

Anyone have anything to say about the "ultra maxima" clams...a friend of mine in the business said that they are getting in a shipment of them, and that they are only going to be $40...Ive always wanted one, and have kinda been looking through this section, read the sticky...but anyone have anything to say on the subject? Complete clam newb.

75g Tank 2x 10k 150w Ushio MH
Cal: 400ppm
Alk: 7 DKH
pH: usually around 8 - 8.2...dont really know right now, I was trying to bring it up when I ran out of test stuff...so, I have some saliftet pH test kits in the mail.

 

[kcarrol2]

Make sure it is bigger than 2 inches- . Ones under 2 need feeding. Even if you are slightly over 2 inches you might want to consider feeding to make sure it gets a good start in your system.

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

Other than that you think that my system is suitable for a clam?

 

[Typhon]

How long has your system been up and running? Are your parameter's stable? Do you have an fish that could be clam nippers?

 

[skinz78]

How old is your tank?
What fish and inverts do you have?
What is your mag at?

With that lighting you will need to keep a Maxima high up on the rocks.

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

My tank has been running for 8 years now. I am growing acro's and millis half way down this tank. I have a clarkii clown, and am planning on getting another. I also have a blue hippo tang, and am planning on getting some sort of halicores wrasse I think.

My parameters are stable...I thought I was having problems, then I bought a salifert, and just realized I had ****** test kits. Ph sits pretty much at 8.2 - 8.3...I assume the alk is the same but Im getting a salifert test kit for that as well...

I dont measure mag...My calcium does comes with equal parts mag...and I think that most people just make up their mag problem in their head.

 

[deepbluesea]

up high definatly with 10k i agree will probly be ok 250s are recomended though. 3" is better if you can get one that big.remember some day it will grow to around 16" squamosas or dersas would be ok on the sand bed with those lights but the ultra max is a looker.if you can also dont put that puppy in to much flow or it will probly sneeze itself off the rockwork.hope this helps and good luck.

 

[jaytizzle]

Make sure it is bigger than 2 inches- . Ones under 2 need feeding. Even if you are slightly over 2 inches you might want to consider feeding to make sure it gets a good start in your system.

This isn't true. Clams produce enough zoox at all sized to feed themselves entirely photosynthetically.

 

[mr_X]

This isn't true. Clams produce enough zoox at all sized to feed themselves entirely photosynthetically.

agreed. :wink:

 

[skinz78]

This isn't true. Clams produce enough zoox at all sized to feed themselves entirely photosynthetically.

Agreed, if you wish to read up on it more this thread is a great one on the topic of clam feeding:

Tridacnid clam feeding and the truth - Reef-Geeks

Kingfisherfleshy, I would say from your description you are good to go on keeping clams, just read the sticky I have at the top of the clam forum.:wink:

 

[Reef Goddess]

Hope you get a nice one. There's a lot of clams advertised as "ultra" but very few of them ever are. I remember the good ole days when ultra actually meant something.

 

[meisen]

I think that old 2" thing is based on the fact that really small clams tend to be fragile in aquariums. It was maybe just assumed they needed food because they often died (fed or not). IME 2"+ clams are hardier up to about 4" or so then they are less so again.

 

[Znut Reefer]

I always prefer to buy them at least 3". They seem to be more hardier.