Buying first clam

[wetone]

OK...its time to add my first tridacna clam to my tank. The water params are all fine, I have a tank full of LPS and SPS, calcium is always above 450. I have 2 250w MH and 2 110w VHO actinics.
My questions are: What to look for in LFS for a good buy? color? actions? feeding, etc? Which species is hardiest? Where to put in tank, on sand or on a rock? In a crevice or flat spot? Whats up with the "foot". Acclimation process?
Any info is appreciated

 

[guppychao]

what type of tri?, derasa, maxima, croacea, etc.etc.

 

[eddi]

wetone,

I will give you my experience. I have 4 clams, 2 maximas, one derasa and one squamosa. I have the maximas on rocks and the derasa and squamosa on sand. I had placed the squamosa on a rock, but it jumped down twice, so it was obviously happier on sand.

I have had the derasa for a year, the maximas 6 months and the squamosa 3. The derasa has grown quite a bit; the maximas just a bit. I have less light than you (3 175W MH, 2 7100 PC) and everybody is doing well. I feed DT and add Restore three timesx a week.


Good luck!


Eddi

 

[toptank]

I glad you mentioned acclimations. When you get your clam home, acclimate it to your water very slowly. Go to my site and it will give you detail on how I do it.

When shopping for a clam, check for reaction by putting your hand in between the light source and the clam and see if he closes up. Look at his byssus and see if it looks ok. Check for central bleaching on mantles.

Most LFS keep their clams under PC so when you place it in your tank under those 250, place it on the substrate for a few days and then slowly raise it where you want to place it. You can also place a shield at the top of your tank so shade him from that new lighting for a few days.

I also use DT's and BioPlanton to feed my tank as my SPS also like it. Clams are filter feeders so will be fed from the water.

Good luck and enjoy you new baby.

Barry

 

[JohnD]

Barry,

You have a great site. Lots of good information.

 

[toptank]

Thanks John, I do try hard.

I just got in some nice things.

Barry

 

[JohnD]

I used to be stationed up I-5 from you at Camp Pendleton. Where exactly are you in San Diego?

 

[toptank]

JohnD,

I am in east county. La Masa and El Cajon area.