Help with Maxima Clam

[vetteguy53081]

Why does it need to be cradled? I have a maxima on a dead mushroom that is flat with ridges

Cradle prevents it from tipping. Many fish are capable of knocking it on its side

 

[OrionN]

I keep clams for 25+ years. I always have plenty of light. I just have my clams, Crocea and Maxima included, on the sand. As long as they get plenty of light, they will be fine. Initial care in my QT tank always requires that I detached them from their attachment to be cleaned and ensured that there are no parasites.

Once they are in my DT, if they happen to attach to a piece small rock or shell, I leave them be also, as long as the attachment is on a small enough piece of rock that will not hinder my placement of the clam. Most of my clams are on the sand, some with minor attachment but I do have some on the coral structures

 

[OrionN]

Do get it out /off the sand.

They will do fine on the sand as long as there is enough light.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have kept crocea on the sand for years. With the proper light, as OrionN said, they will be fine.

 

[i cant think]

I have a Maxima clam that I brought home 3 days ago. I dripped acclimated the clam for a little more than an hr. I inspected VERY closely for pyramid snails, nothing. Placed the clam on flat clam rock at bottom of tank. The clam has retreated its mantel and not extending less each day. Clam has fast and strong reaction to movement. I have constantly watched no picking at mantel from any fish.Tangs have pecked at shell but not close to mantel.
Par at Clam 240
Alk 7.9 Dkh
Cal 410
Mag 1390
Po4 0.04 Hanna
No3 6.8 Hanna
Salinity 1.025

ICP last week nothing concerning other than Potassium slightly elevated and Strontium a little low.

More light?
Just more time?

With your maxima sat at 240 par, that’s likely to be a factor in this. You ideally need maximas and croceas sat at 300 PAR, if not 350. This is due to the Maximas and Croceas being found in much shallower water than some of their other relatives. The only clams that do well in lower PAR (200-250) are Deresa, Squamosa and Gigas. What fish are in the DT?

Also, too much flow can cause the mantle to stay relatively retracted IME - my deresa doesn’t seem to care if a small part of his mantle is lifted by my Maxima on the other hand does care.