Maxima clam coral placement?

[ILOVEYOUHALFISH]

Today I purchased a small maxima clam, about 1.5 inches maybe less. My question is where should I place this guy? I’ll admit I didn’t do enough research and I’ve been hearing mixed things. Some suggest on the sand bed… I was wondering… where do you all recommend I place it?

Right now I have it on a frag plug and on this rock plug… about half way in the tank… I’m running my lights at about %85 peak. My lights are the maxspect ethereal infinite E8-230 - I plan on making this an SPS dominant tank

 

[Vested]

Maximas attach to rock, they should be in high par (250+) and decent flow. I would not recommend putting it in the sand like a deresa, if you want it on the bottom put a rock there and clam on top. Assuming the light is enough

 

[ILOVEYOUHALFISH]

Maximas attach to rock, they should be in high par (250+) and decent flow. I would not recommend putting it in the sand like a deresa, if you want it on the bottom put a rock there and clam on top. Assuming the light is enough

Do you ever add a bit of super glue to help it attach the to rock?

 

[Vested]

Do you ever add a bit of super glue to help it attach the to rock?

Some people put a little bit on one side of the shell but you can easily kill it with super glue be extremely careful especially around the foot. I dont recommend it, the clam should attach by itself in a perfect world lol.

 

[bluemon]

Do you ever add a bit of super glue to help it attach the to rock?

You shouldn't ever.

A clam should be free to move as it wants as it knows best where it likes in the tank, and not you.

I would put it in a tupperware with some rubble so maybe hopefully it attaches, and you can try moving the rubble.

But I have had very mixed success with this method, especially if the PAR is low down in the sand; might best to just try to place directly on rockwork.

 

[Vested]

You shouldn't ever.

A clam should be free to move as it wants as it knows best where it likes in the tank, and not you.

I would put it in a tupperware with some rubble so maybe hopefully it attaches, and you can try moving the rubble.

But I have had very mixed success with this method, especially if the PAR is low down in the sand; might best to just try to place directly on rockwork.

Putting it up high in good par just on the rock work is the best imo agreed. To be completely honest if it doesnt attach with that its most likely not gonna make it anyways

 

[LPS Bum]

As mentioned above, Maximas are rock dwelling clams and require more light than Derasas and Squamosas. They should not be on the sand bed unless you have a ton of light down there.

I have several of them near the top of my rock work in about 200 PAR, though they can certainly take more. I put mine into empty half Littleneck clam shells from the grocery store, and within 24 hours they attach using their byssal threads. That way if I ever need to move them, I can do so without damaging the clam. I always freshwater dip my clams upon arrival in temp and pH adjusted RODI water for 30 min, and scrub their shells with a toothbrush. I've found that's a good way to ensure they're healthy once they go into the system.

 

[ILOVEYOUHALFISH]

As mentioned above, Maximas are rock dwelling clams and require more light than Derasas and Squamosas. They should not be on the sand bed unless you have a ton of light down there.

I have several of them near the top of my rock work in about 200 PAR, though they can certainly take more. I put mine into empty half Littleneck clam shells from the grocery store, and within 24 hours they attach using their byssal threads. That way if I ever need to move them, I can do so without damaging the clam. I always freshwater dip my clams upon arrival in temp and pH adjusted RODI water for 30 min, and scrub their shells with a toothbrush. I've found that's a good way to ensure they're healthy once they go into the system.

I’ve since moved it up onto the rock work- it is open and seems happier now

 

[ILOVEYOUHALFISH]

As mentioned above, Maximas are rock dwelling clams and require more light than Derasas and Squamosas. They should not be on the sand bed unless you have a ton of light down there.

I have several of them near the top of my rock work in about 200 PAR, though they can certainly take more. I put mine into empty half Littleneck clam shells from the grocery store, and within 24 hours they attach using their byssal threads. That way if I ever need to move them, I can do so without damaging the clam. I always freshwater dip my clams upon arrival in temp and pH adjusted RODI water for 30 min, and scrub their shells with a toothbrush. I've found that's a good way to ensure they're healthy once they go into the system.

Thank you for this information

 

[minus9]

Never, ever glue a clam shell to a rock, you're just asking for problems. Either a clam will attach (if it's a species that does so) or it won't. Don't force a clam to do something you want it to do, that's going to end in disaster. In the meantime, please buy James Fatherree's book on clams so you can learn more about the animals you care for, that's the responsible thing to do. Book found here.

 

[kevgib67]

They sell clam cradles for placing you maxima on the rock.

 

[minus9]

I guess I never answered the question (but others did). Maxima prefers a solid surface to attach to (usually) and need plenty full spectrum lighting. 250µmol would be on the low side and you should be able to provide much more.

 

[exnisstech]

Maxima and croceas on the rocks doing well under 350 par that I'll probably bump up as time goes on.

Derasas on the sand under 250 - 300 par.

I failed keeping clams in the past untill I bought a par meter and found out I was starving them.