Thinking about getting a clam

[newsalt]

I was at Petco (forgive me) yesterday and noticed they had some new clams for sale. Not knowing anything about clams, they seemed nice. They were small, probably 2.5 - 3" long. I don't recall what type they were.

Since then, I've been searching this forum and the internet for information. From what I've read, they like light. I have 192w of light in my 50g tank (18" deep). If I wanted a clam and located it a bit higher in the tank it should be ok.

How big do clams get? is my 50g too small. Will it co-exist with the other inhabitants I have listed below?

Any info would be appreciated.

[Witfull]

for a tank with your lighting i would recommend a a hippotus ar desasa they need less light, some may say a squamosa, but i think they need a bit more that you have,,,closer to 260wt pc. derasas can get huge and hippos can get to a decent size but are slow growers.

[FateX8]

from what ive heard it really depends on the species of clam for the lighting
like the croceas and maximas should be under a metal halide and dersas and hippopus should be fine under your lights
good luck
mike

[addict]

Petco selling clams?!?

The thought boggles my mind...

[SueT]

With your lighting I would definitely stay with either a T. derasa. The hippopus clam is not colorful at all and is also referred to as the rock clam. They look that much alike.

The derasa is colorful in oranges, tans and usually has a bright blue rim around the mantle.

One thing I would tell you to watch is your coral beauty as it may try to nip the clams mantle. Some are trying to pick at the clam and some are only after slime that is on the mantle.

I don't know if Petco had any derasa clams but that is the only one I would suggest. With your lighting you could also care quite well for a squamosa but they will get big and would soon out grow your reef system. Obviously that would not happen overnight but you might want to try a squamosa also.

[mattie]

a 50g can be plenty big enough but 2 96w lights on a 18 inch tall tank is a tough call the type of clam is very imporant ...and understanding they need more light as they get bigger and clams are huge consumer's of calcium
i am going to say look for the squasmo in my exp. they do better then most clams under less intense lighting

[mps9506]

I would honestly give you tank some more time before adding a clam. And like others say with your setup I wouldn't add anything above a derasa. You can get some really cool looking tiger stripped derasa's. But give you tank some more time first.
Mike

[wooddood]

i kept a crocea clam, the most light dependent of the clam family in my 120 for about 6 months under pc's and it did well enough but i had 520 watts of pc lighting. just something to think about. good luck.





dave.