Choosing between Derasa and Squamosa

[GoPitt88]

So I have a 3 year old 55 gallon mixed reef tank. Trying to pick between a Derasa clam, or a Squamosa clam. I tried the Maxima clams, but the two I tried didn't last a week. Any words of wisdom? I have Kessil LEDs. Thanks! [emoji16]

 

[MSB123]

What is your par at the bottom?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Agreed. Light is key.

I have both , derasa and squamosa. I like them both.

 

[MSB123]

I have maxima. How did you acclimate them to light? They are very sensitive and I would take no less then 2 weeks light acclimating

 

[GoPitt88]

What is your par at the bottom?

I have no idea [emoji853] All I know is that I have 2 Kessil A360WE Tuna Blues.

 

[GoPitt88]

I have maxima. How did you acclimate them to light? They are very sensitive and I would take no less then 2 weeks light acclimating

I drip acclimated for about an hour, then placed the clam on the bottom. Each time I tried, they both looked good for a couple days, then all of a sudden, would be curled up inside with a ton of pods.

 

[GoPitt88]

I didn't light acclimate.

 

[MSB123]

That is most likley a key issue here. Clams are very light senesnsitive and even small changes in the light intensity and patterns isn’t good. I am not an expert or even that proficient at keeping clams, but I have killed about 4 clams strictly due to the fact that I didn’t light acclimate.

 

[GoPitt88]

That is most likley a key issue here. Clams are very light senesnsitive and even small changes in the light intensity and patterns isn’t good. I am not an expert or even that proficient at keeping clams, but I have killed about 4 clams strictly due to the fact that I didn’t light acclimate.

Can you advise on best way to light acclimate?

 

[GoPitt88]

With a Kessil, I can easily adjust the intensity, so I'm assuming I should slowly ramp the intensity up over the course of a week or two?

 

[DeniseAndy]

When you get the light figured out, yes, adjust it up over time. Make sure you are acclimating nicely too. Derasa is a bit more forgiving. Squamosa will grow fast and could outgrow the 55 in 2 years.

 

[MSB123]

With clams, I would ramp up 2% a day, starting at 10% with the clam 18” or more below the light. If it is above 18” below, start at 5%. Do this until you reach your desired light settings

 

[GoPitt88]

With clams, I would ramp up 2% a day, starting at 10% with the clam 18” or more below the light. If it is above 18” below, start at 5%. Do this until you reach your desired light settings

Thanks! [emoji16]

 

[MSB123]

No problem!

 

[B0brobert]

I suggest to read : https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/inverts (Aquarium Invertebrates : On lighting for Clam by James W. Fatherree)

 

[DSC reef]

I vote squamosa, derasa grew quicker IME

 

[GoPitt88]

Now I'm back to thinking I should try a Maxima or Crocea again due to their size. Ugh! I'm so confused [emoji853]

 

[DeniseAndy]

My first ever clam was a crocea. It was already full grown at 6" when I got it. I loved that thing for over 9 years. Died, but I think it was a natural death. Instead of taking an instant, it took weeks. No signs of disease either.

If you have good lights and flow, a crocea will be fine. Just make sure it is 4" or more, you have very stable parameters and calcium is available for it.

 

[GoPitt88]

My first ever clam was a crocea. It was already full grown at 6" when I got it. I loved that thing for over 9 years. Died, but I think it was a natural death. Instead of taking an instant, it took weeks. No signs of disease either.

If you have good lights and flow, a crocea will be fine. Just make sure it is 4" or more, you have very stable parameters and calcium is available for it.

Where did you buy yours? Online, or LFS?

 

[GoPitt88]

Where did you buy yours? Online, or LFS?

And how was it set in your tank? Did you give it something to attach to?