thinking about a maxima but unsure

[Wolfgang8810]

I have had two different corceas that diddnt make it in the past but since then i have upgraded my lighting to a 14k 150W MH sunpod. Its over a 24 gallon aquapod. They are aquacultured 2 inch clams for 40 bucks. Should i get one or not?

ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate <10
calcium 480
phosphate <2
ph 8.2
sal 1.025

[slakker]

Why not? But do you know why the croceas didn't make it? Was it for sure lighting or was it other factors? Critters pickign on it, water quality, etc..

[framerguy]

You may want to purchase an intermediate sized clam as they acclimate better. The tiny ones struggle to adapt to new homes for some reason. Also, moving them around is detrimental. Place it where you want it and let it acclimate unmolested. Many clams get moved around to much and then they "mysteriously" die.

My vote is get one but get a larger one than 2".

[Wolfgang8810]

the first corcea died when a critter knocked it off its perch and it landed face down in the sand also was under 68 watts of PC. the second one died because i was in the process of acclimating the rest of my tank to the new MH with screens and it diddnt get enough light. Ill pick the biggest maxima if anything. and would it be ok on the sand? it is 15" from light to sand.

[slakker]

I think the only thing to worry about with clams on the sand is if you have larger bristle worms and stuff that's eat at the clam from bellow. I have mine sitting on small pieces of LR. The clam will attach itself, so having the LR makes it more portable should you want/need to move him later.

I'm not sure if he'll get enough light, but just watch his mantle. I was told if they really extend it out (like really far out), that means they're trying to get more light, and you may need to move him up.

[lcstorc]

Maxima clams are rock dwelling clams. I would put it in a nice space at the top of your rockwork. It is fine if they are out of water during water changes. Many clams live in tidal areas and are dry for dignificant periods of time.
I agree with the recommendation of getting the largest one you can. The smaller they are the harder they are to keep. Another thing to know is that for an unknown reason Maximas are the hardest of the commonly sold clams.
IMO you would be much better off trying another crocea.

[framerguy]

If you do want to have the clam on the sand you will need to bury a small flat rock just underneath the sand for the clam to attach his foot. Otherwise it will be vulnerable to attack from below. I have a crocea on the sand but have it's foot attached that way. He kept falling off of the rockwork before he could attach himself. The rock in the sand took care of that.

[Wolfgang8810]

i went to the store today and they had three clams and all three were barely 1" so i decided to not get another clam. they are really cool and i wish i could find a good dealer with decent prices. What would be the easiest clam to take care of from the giant clam family?

[lcstorc]

IMO Crocea.

[cheeks69]

The Maximas according to many of the experts are the most difficult to keep so I would also suggest the Crocea also but it's the most light demanding of all and should be placed on the rockwork. On your parameters list you don't mention alkalinity, that's also very important to monitor along with calcium levels ! Are you using a 2 part cal/alk supplement ?

[CATALYST]

Knowing your alk makes all the difference in the world. There is a sweet spot.

[slakker]

I think derasa and squamosa are the hardiest... I also heard that blue mantle clams needs more light than brown mantle clams....

[Owzer]

Originally Posted by slakker

I think derasa and squamosa are the hardiest... I also heard that blue mantle clams needs more light than brown mantle clams....

You hear right.

[Dentoid]

This is directly from James Fatheree's book, Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium

...for reasons that are unclear, maxima and crocea are considered to be the least hardy of all the Tridacnids.

...However...if a maxima can survive long enough to get settled into a well established aquarium with plenty of light, they can actually be very durable. Likewise, croceas may have substantial troubles in the beginning, but may be just fine if they make it through the first few weeks, as well.

Conversely, the bigger Tridacnid species tend to do much better. Squamosa, derasa and gigas all fare better through acquisition and acclimation than crocea and maxima.