1/2 Maxima Clams grow out.

[jahkaya]

Has anyone had any luck growing out very small maximas at 1/2 inch or smaller? I've had good luck with small Croceas and maximas at the 1 1/2 inch size using 400 watt radiums and every other day feedings with live phyto, but the super tiny ones concern me. Would it be optimal to add oyster eggs and possibly reducing the lighting until they are acclimated? I can accept some rate of attrition as I'd be buying in bulk, bit it'd suck to lose them all as I don't have access to natural seawater and sunlight. Can anyone provide some insight to the viability of the Itty bitty guys?

 

[tbasinger]

My guy that travels the country doing shows and operates my lfs says he won’t carry clams smaller than 4 inches, the big ones are pretty hardy but the small ones are a pain in the butt to grow and often die. Since they are aquacultured Im sure it can be done, just passing along that it can be difficult.

 

[bradreef]

I have a maxima that started around 1 inch and has grown well in the 4 months ive had it. I feed phyto to help it.

 

[minus9]

These are all mind stories. Clams don't need phyto at any size, but they do require nitrogen, which comes in many forms; particulates, plankton, etc... They need quality light and plenty of it. The reason your friend likes to sell larger clams, is he can get more money for them and they are cheaper to buy as wild caught ones, than cultured clams. Wild clams are notoriously hard to keep and come with a boat load of issues themselves.

 

[Enderg60]

My guy that travels the country doing shows and operates my lfs says he won’t carry clams smaller than 4 inches, the big ones are pretty hardy but the small ones are a pain in the butt to grow and often die. Since they are aquacultured Im sure it can be done, just passing along that it can be difficult.

Exactly. I honestly can not think of a single person who has had a 2" clam live long term.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I got my clam 3 years ago, it was about 1.5", now is 2". It sits right under my MH light, happy as a clam. I do dose phyto to the tank occassionally, but more for the copepods and filter feeders.

 

[Enderg60]

I got my clam 3 years ago, it was about 1.5", now is 2". It sits right under my MH light, happy as a clam. I do dose phyto to the tank occassionally, but more for the copepods and filter feeders.

how far down and what wattage?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

how far down and what wattage?

its a 150 watt light 14k, the clam is about 8" under the water line, centered under the light

 

[bradreef]

While not necessary to survive by feeding plankton. There are benefits. Links below will all talk about the importance of light. And will talk about pulling nutrients from the vast amount of filter feeding they do.

#1 thing they need is strong lights. I agree 100%

Aquarium Invertebrates: Tridacnid Clams (Usually) Don’t Need to Be Fed in Aquaria

James discusses the myth that Tridacnid clams must be fed in order to prevent starvation.

reefs.com

Do Giant Clams Eat Phytoplankton?

Particularly for aquarium animals, the giant clams (Tridacna and Hippopus spp.) attain impressive sizes. They are, in fact, among the largest of all

www.algaebarn.com

ORA Clams | ORA | Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums

ORA grows several amazing species of Tridacna clams including Tridacna maxima, Tridacna derasa and Tridacna squamosa at our MIMF facility.

www.orafarm.com

 

[ArachnoJoozt]

I got my clam 3 years ago, it was about 1.5", now is 2". It sits right under my MH light, happy as a clam. I do dose phyto to the tank occassionally, but more for the copepods and filter feeders.

0,5'' growth in 3 years? Seems very slow to me, at that size they can grow rally fast. What kind of clam is it?

 

[OrionN]

I had no problem with Maxima from 1.5 inch and Crocea from 1 inch. I never had the opportunity to grow out smaller clams, but given the opportunity, I would like to try.

 

[MartinM]

I’m not sure why all these supposed issues float around about small clams. I have access to clam farms here in Japan and often get very small (1.5-2.5cm) clams of various species and have no issues with them, or clams of any size for that matter. BUT if you’re attempting clam keeping under blues at the typical BRS recommended SPS par, you’re far less likely to have long term success. Clams =\= coral.

FWIW, my clams get 500+ PAR at a 14k-ish spectrum plus indirect NSL all day and direct NSL for at least an hour per day.

 

[hart24601]

I have grown out a couple maxima that had to be around 0.75”. Nothing special needed just some care that an occasional fish peck will hurt them more and they can get overrun with pyramid snails much faster should those be present.

 

[minus9]

I’m not sure why all these supposed issues float around about small clams. I have access to clam farms here in Japan and often get very small (1.5-2.5cm) clams of various species and have no issues with them, or clams of any size for that matter. BUT if you’re attempting clam keeping under blues at the typical BRS recommended SPS par, you’re far less likely to have long term success. Clams =\= coral.

FWIW, my clams get 500+ PAR at a 14k-ish spectrum plus indirect NSL all day and direct NSL for at least an hour per day.

I couldn’t agree more. Clams that are only millimeters big require the same environment as adults. Once they acquire zooxanthellae, they’re good to go. It’s amazing how myths are carried in this hobby, as if no one even bothers to do their own research and just repeat what someone else said. :rolleyes: This is why I still read books and scientific papers.

 

[OrionN]

I do think blue light do them in. I don’t feed them either. I was messing with feeding for a short time but never find that feeding did much for the clams that I can measure.