Any difference in clams?

[Gina]

Are there any clams that are hardier than others? And, a good beginner clam?

If all parameters are good to go.....then would it be ok to have a clam or do you need a mature tank?

Also, at what point do you call a tank mature? Our tank has been up and running since 7/03. Everything has been going well. I have always wondered at what point a tank becomes mature.

I am assuming that clams like a calcium reading of 400 to 450. Is that correct?

[Barry N.]

Are there any clams that are hardier than others? And, a good beginner clam?

IME, I would have to say T. Derasa

Also, at what point do you call a tank mature?

That is a on going topic I would have to say a tank is mature when all levels are stable such as salinity, pH, alk and ca. Less swings the better.

I am assuming that clams like a calcium reading of 400 to 450. Is that correct?

Yes.

Also take into consideration your present tank mates and lighting.

Hope this helps.

[NaH2O]

I'm curious as to the lighting needs. Do different types of clams have different lighting requirements?

[nivek]

Tagging along since I'm looking for a clam as well

[Barry N.]

Do different types of clams have different lighting requirements?

Good question Yes, I will list the clams in order that require low to high lighting.

T. Squamosa , T. derasa , Hoppopus Hippopus,
T. Gigas, T. Maxima and then the T. Crocea

T. Croceas are the most light requires of all the Tridacnid Clams

IMO, I would place Maximas and Crocea under MH. With brown or gold mantle Maxima, they do not require as much light as say a colored Maxima.

Hope this helps.

[Gina]

Another question....would the lower light clams do ok under MH? We have MH 175w. Would those clams have to be kept in a somewhat shaded area or would they be ok in full light?

Also, you said watch what other types of inhabitants are in the tank. Here is a list of what we have....

Dusky Jawfish
Copperband Butterfly
Flame Angel
Orchid Dottyback
False Percs 2
Fireshrimp
2 Sally lightfoot Crabs
Bluelegged Hermits
and Snails

The only creatures I might think would be a problem are the hermits and sallys. None of these bother any of our corals but, thats not to say they might not munch on a clam?

[wooddood]

great info barry,i have a crocea clam in my 120 thats doing great under 540 watts of pc's.

[Maxx]

Gina I have a Derasa clam in a 20 gallon tank under a single 175 watt 10K MH....this thing is growing like a weed. I havent had it a full six months yet and its added at least 1 1/4 inches to the shell in new growth. I dont think that clams do bad under more light as long as they are acclimated. Barry told me via phoe conversation that his clams are under 150 HQI lamps in shallow custom made aquariums. For the record many people have caompared the 150 watt HQI to the 250 single ended/ mogul based bulbs due to the advanced reflector design which returns more of the available light back into the tank. You should be fine depending on the depth of the tank.
Nick

[Barry N.]

Gina,

Would have to look up each fish to see if they are ok with clams, I am not sure with all the fish, too many species. But a few stand out in my head that have been known to nip at clam mantles.

Copperband Butterfly
Flame Angel

would the lower light clams do ok under MH? We have MH 175w.

Like Nick stated, I keep all my clams under MH. Place the Squamosa, Hipp and derasa lower in the tank and my other clams are up higher.

[NaH2O]

I'm not trying to get off topic, but is there a book about clams that is known as "THE BOOK" to have if you are interested in them?

[Barry N.]

Nikki, The only book out there dedicated on clams is the one that Daniel knop wrote back in 1996, " Giant Clams " we offer it on our web site. It is a comprehensive book. We are currently working on a manuscript and hopefully it will be out mid year. This book will be ABC of keeping and caring of the Tridacnid and Hippopus Clams

There are several good artical wrote by different authors regarding clams as well. The newly released book by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner, "Reef Invertebrates" has a good clam chapter.

[Gina]

Thank you for all the info Barry! We'll have to check into which fish are ok with clams. If ours aren't then for now we'll have to skip it. Don't want to get a clam just to have it picked on!

[Mary]

Gina,
I had a Copperband and now have a Flame Angel. Neither have ever bothered my clams. I know it all depend's on the fish and it's personality. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!

[Montanareefer]

Honestly I would not attempt to keep a clam unless your tank is at least a year old. JMO

A Squasoma Clam is also an easy clam to keep as they do not require the intense lighting that other clams require!

If you do not have any flat surface to put your clam for attachment you can use a half shell and it will attach to that for more stability.

Personally as far as clam size when purchasing one I like to have mine at least 3" or bigger as they can survive more on lighting than on target feeding. Just from my own experience as others may disagree. You can put smaller clams in a bowl with green water and once it has disappeared you can put it back into the main tank.

I found that a squasoma clam moves around more than any type clam I have ever had. No explanation for this but this is what I have noticed with mine.

Yes Gina calcium should be at the right level as clams will use it up quickly in an aquarium along with the corals, etc. Clams can grow quite fast with proper calcium levels.

Here you will find alot of information on clams and their care and requirements. Great reading!


http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumd...=41&daysprune=

[birdman204]

I have seen squamosas under 32 w of PC and growing in a mature tank, and I have seen them under 175 of MH so either way, acclimate properly to any new light situation.
I would be wary of the flame angel. But again, each fish is different. I second calfo and renners books, the clam section is pretty well written, along with the rest of that series.