Am I ready for a clam?

[Rockadile]

I have only been in this hobby for a little over a yr now and most recently upgraded my little 55gal sumpless tank to a 90gal RR sps dominant tank. I use the marineland light fixture that has the 2 150watt bulbs which I am running phoenix 14k in and 4 geisman t5 bulbs.
i have always wanted a clam but have heard mixed things on keeping them some say they are hard others say they are easy. I have no desire t put something inmy tank that will ultimatly die because my tank or myself are not ready, although it does happen from time to time. So are there some clams easier then others? I am sure my lighting is enough but what about special needs? are there any?

 

[skinz78]

Your lighting is strong enough. How long has your tank been set up for? What fish and inverts do you have in it?

 

[Rockadile]

been setup since nov, but all the lr came out of my old tank. inverts just a cleaner and cbs along with snails and crabs. fish are mostly flasher and fairy wrasse with a kole tang royal gramma and pair of firefish.

 

[CJO]

Good for you for asking first! You have plenty of light for any of the clams. Your tank is probably old enough, but how stable are the parameters? Also, most of your fish are probably clam safe, but kole tangs have been known to nip at them.

CJ

 

[Rockadile]

It stays very stable. i test about 1 time a week but since i added a kalk stirrer my alk stays at a constant 9dk cal at 460 and ph well is running a little higher at 8.4. and mag at 1400. everything else is at virtually 0. the tank is almost done I plan on adding 2-3 more fish probably wrasse and maybe 1 more tang. and I need a carbon/gfo reactor and other then the odd coral frag I pick up from time to time im done.

 

[Paul_N]

I think you will be fine. Also I disagree on the kole tang issue. I think you will be fine. I have 4 clams and a kole tang with them. He never bothers them. With any tang you need to make sure they are well fed. If they are not they will graze and pick everywhere at everything in your tank.

 

[Electrobes]

If I were you I would start with the Derasas and go from there. I say this because they are typically cheaper at larger sizes, compared to tohers. Start with the larger clams as they are more "ready" for photosysthesis as opposed to the much younger ones which need to be fed more often, and are more delicate.

 

[Rockadile]

I was thinking 4 inch to start, is that too small yet? My lfs has some larger ones but I didnt really care for them how about a good place to order then from .

 

[CJO]

4 inch is plenty large enough. It's the 2 inch and under ones that can be tricky.

CJ

 

[skinz78]

I totally agree with everything that has been said, just be aware that Derasa's are quick growers.

 

[Rockadile]

I ended up getting a crocea last week and so far so good. I am wondering how long before they will plant their foot and secure them self. It has not tried to move from where i put it but i can clearly see it has not put its foot down.

 

[skinz78]

Congrats on getting a clam, wanna post some pic's and show it off?

Some clams never attach byssal threads. If it isn't moving I wouldn't worry too much about it. There really isn't any set amount of time on how long it takes for them to attach.

 

[Rockadile]

im horrible at taking pics. only have my sons ipod. to do that with as my daughter decided to take my camera swimming and put it in her swim bag with her wet clothes. I will see what i can do though.

I will say it isnt anything special. figured i would see how this goes before I spend real money on a nice one.

 

[greg0385]

congrats on the clam, where did you end up placing it at? sounds like you did your homework and have your tank undercontrol, therefore i think you won't have any problems out of the clam.
good luck
greg

 

[Rockadile]

its near the bottom of my tank I feel I have plenty of light and being I have 2 mp40 running near full bore in my 90 for sps. i felt low and almost underneath the power head would be best to avoid getting too much flow.

 

[lax5710]

what colors is it

 

[xmetalfan99]

Congrats on the new clam. Those croceas stick out so much flesh when open all the way. If he tries to pop off the rock, he isn't happy there and try putting it in a new spot.