Difficulty difference between Derasas and Maximas

[Teeter]

I absolutely love tridacna, and feel like I'm finally in a place to keep clams. I’ve had a couple derasas for a few months now, and I believe they’re doing well; noticeable growth, good mantle extension, happy in their spots, and, as far as I can tell, healthy white shell growth lines. I’ve been strongly considering trying a maxima next, but would like to know how much more difficult their care is. I understand they like higher lighting and prefer to be higher up in the tank, but I'm curious how much more delicate they are compared to the relatively hardy derasas. I'm happy to post my exact params when I'm home and can test my water, but for now, any general advice is appreciated!

 

[shakacuz]

i've only ever had a crocea and maxima, so i can't speak to the comparison to a derasa. in general the care is the same with the only difference being lighting. maximas do prefer being blasted with light, so as long as you acclimate it to higher PAR- you'll be okay. also, having a clam rock or a small rock you can have under it to have it bore onto that instead of rock you can't move will be great in the event you want to move it around the tank but still want it attached to something

 

[Teeter]

i've only ever had a crocea and maxima, so i can't speak to the comparison to a derasa. in general the care is the same with the only difference being lighting. maximas do prefer being blasted with light, so as long as you acclimate it to higher PAR- you'll be okay. also, having a clam rock or a small rock you can have under it to have it bore onto that instead of rock you can't move will be great in the event you want to move it around the tank but still want it attached to something

Would you recommend I rent a PAR meter or is it not really necessary? The tank is about 18” tall so I doubt the light levels vary drastically.

Clam rocks are great, I have a couple I got for my derasas but quickly discovered how much they hate them lol. I figured they may want one buried under the sand just to feel secure, but nope, they’d rock themselves off every time

 

[shakacuz]

Would you recommend I rent a PAR meter or is it not really necessary? The tank is about 18” tall so I doubt the light levels vary drastically.

Clam rocks are great, I have a couple I got for my derasas but quickly discovered how much they hate them lol. I figured they may want one buried under the sand just to feel secure, but nope, they’d rock themselves off every time

a PAR meter isn't too necessary unless you really want to make sure the PAR there is at least 250.

with crocea/maxima they'll like having the clam rock, but may move to their preferred spot- so try to have it be bigger than the clam itself to avoid it tipping over and attaching onto rock you can't move!

 

[Teeter]

a PAR meter isn't too necessary unless you really want to make sure the PAR there is at least 250.

with crocea/maxima they'll like having the clam rock, but may move to their preferred spot- so try to have it be bigger than the clam itself to avoid it tipping over and attaching onto rock you can't move!

sounds good! Thanks for the help.

 

[minus9]

My advice would be to try squamosa, then maybe crocea (high on the rock work). I think they are hardier than maxima in my experience. Squamosa can be kept on the sand or flat areas of the rock. They are very adaptive to lighting and crocea can take much higher light and flow.