I really like the color on maxima clams and would love to get one. I heard they can be challenging to keep alive and absorb large amounts of calcium. If I have had success with sps corals, should I be okay with getting a clam?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Advise on getting a clam?
- Thread starter benha
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VSVP bet
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You could also go with one of the hardier clams like a derasa if youre at all worried. Also, all aquacultured clams are hardier than wild or maricultured clams, they are more accepting to the 'unnatural' light they receive in a reef tank (in the wild obviously they receive sunlight, in a tank they receive man made lights that mimic sunlight.)
catfishblues
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Getting a doser is usually a good idea because it keeps it very stable. I've had a few clams with almost no troubles (one got pinched mantle but a fw dip cured it). They like same parameters as coral and like somewhat higher light but I've had success in moderate light. You have enough light and I'd say you'd be fine getting a Maxima, get an aquacultured one then show us pics! [emoji106]
jsker
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I had one, and I am think of getting another. @DSC reef or @Lovemyreef2015 would be my go to for help
If possible buy locally after stock has been in their tanks a few weeks and check to see if the clam has bright white growth at the edge of the shell. If you can't see that white new growth then pass on the clam!
For your first clam I'd recommend a derasa or squamosa. It will take a while to really notice a difference in calcium consumption so I would'nt go buying more equipment just yet. FWIW, we had 6 clams going in a 75 with one being 12" and still manually dosed. Lighting will be a key factor with clam success. I like to visually inspect clams before purchase otherwise try ordering from a reputable retailer like pacific east aquaculture, ORA, etc. Maxima clams can be tougher due to there lighting requirements.
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Lovemyreef2015
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+1^^ you got really good advice above. Both derasa and squamosa are very beautiful clams.
Stickboy15
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What are recommended tank sizes for species of clams
VSVP bet
Well-Known Member
Depends on stability. If you had a 30 gallon tank with perfect levels 24/7, anything would do fine (this is excluding the size the calm will grow to). However, in reality this is rarely the case. Larger tanks are easier to keep stable. I dont have a definite number for you, but i would say a 40br would be ok as long as levels are good. But prob 75 or above for most.
You can grow a clam in smaller tanks as long as parameters are kept stable and the uptake is met including proper lighting requirements. The issue would be rehoming or upgrading the tank once the clam out grew the space.
mta_morrow
Of course I have room for 1 more fish!
@DSC reef guided me while I got my first clam.
A 5” deresa. Take his advice and follow it and you will be fine.
A 5” deresa. Take his advice and follow it and you will be fine.
Hogan
Valuable Member
With clams, the smaller they are the more sensitive they are. Also, when you first get one, make sure you "burp" it to get any air out of it. Also, make sure you check it thoroughly for pyramid snails and polyclad flatworms (these tricky suckers look just like the mantle.)
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