Creating the best environment for a clam

[sillysidewinder]

So I want to do some research before getting another clam... I've learned a few things thus far such as:

It is good to put the clam on a small flat piece of rock in order for it to attach itself.

Clams are calcium consumers, so extra testing will have to be done the first couple of weeks into having the clam.

Clams do not like to be moved a lot.

It is a good idea to drip acclimate the clam to your tank.

I am just curious now what I am missing in terms of how to make the best environment for a clam. What type of flow do they like? How intense of lighting do they need? Can anyone help me out with basic or advanced knowledge about maintaining a healthy clam? Also, are any of the things I think I know wrong?

 

[KathyC]

Hey Josh...I'd start off by Googling the TYPE of clam you are looking to get..they have differing requirments for placement..then tell us what type you are going to get and also what SIZE it will be as that makes a difference also

I can tell you that your calcium should be stable prior to adding the clam, and of course you should monitor that but in a tank your size it shouldn't be sucking all of the calcium out of there anytime soon

Nope, they can move if they want, but if you place it in the correct lighting, the correct amount of flow (important!) and either on the sandbed or in the rockscape (depending on the type of clam it is), it will usually stay put..and happy as a ....lol

You also want to look into - how to chose a healthy clam

 

[sig45]

If you are new to clams I would start off with hardy types such as Squamosas or derasas. They grow rapidy and require less light. They are usually keep on the bottom of tank.
Maximas and croceas need a more pristine environment. More light, clear water and flow. These clams usually require a rock to attach to.
Get a larger clam >2 inches. Smaller clams are labile and stress easily.
Maintain high calcium. A little nitrate is also good for growth especially in smaller clams.

Agree with Kathy C... research before buying. Knops book on clams and the forums are full of info.

Good Luck

D

 

[bigcapct]

Heres my maxima had it for over a year
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

 

[sillysidewinder]

hey sig and kathy thanks a lot for the help. This is great information. I really like the Squamosas clam, and per Sig's suggestion right around 2" - 2.5". I am going to check out some information specifically on that one.

 

[seldin]

As per size of clam to get. I have heard different recommendations. Originally, I use to hear that clams less than 4 inches needed supplemental spot feedings. Then, from other sources, I read they did not. I can tell you, that I had first never spot fed my clam and then tried spot feeding it. I found for my clams, that they actually did not like it. I think the reason in my case, might be how I spot fed. From what I am gathering, you should not squirt at the clam, but kind of above it, etc.

As per growth, my baby clam, is now a couple of years old and doing well. What I like to do, is place a piece of small rock underneath the clam, so it can grab hold. However, make sure if you do this, to not place a large piece of rock underneath, otherwise, if you end up having to move the clam, it's a pain.

My clams, grew not just in size, but also in the size of the lip that protrudes outside the clam. Very pretty.

Good luck.