Clam keeping

Electrobes · 12-14-2003, 10:18 AM

Hey everyone, I was curious as to how hard it is to keep clams. I definately would like to have one in my tank, heck even a few, they are SO pretty! Right now I have a 45G high tank (36X12X22) with about 128 watts of PC lighting, but after winter break it will change to 250 watt metal halide with either a single or dual VHO's (really just thinking of using them for some actinic supplementation, but mostly for the dawn/dusk look too to help the corals start and end the day). I am still not sure about what kelvin rating bulb I should get... most likely the 10000K because I perfer health of corals over beautification of tank, hence the actinics coming into play too

- I have about 18 pounds base rock, 3 pounds of Live rock, and obviously plan on getting more live rock after the break.
In general what should I be aware of about clams, preferences and tank/light positioning? thanks!

At this rate you might get a new clam member

Casey · 12-14-2003, 10:46 AM

Hi clams are one of the most delicate to keep along with sps most
of them require very strong lighting and prefer you to use ro/di water they also like some Nitrates in the water the larger clams over 3 in need no DTS the smaller one require supplemental feedings and are more sensative to moving etc etc, you also need to find a good source to get healthy ones from and your tank needs to be aged a little not newly set up also you need to know about predator snails etc and what to look for I recommed The Giant clam book by Daniel Knop

hths

graffyn · 12-19-2003, 07:55 AM

I would start off with a Squamosa or Derasa. Both require less lighting then Maxima's or Crocea's, grow much faster and are easier to keep alive especially for someone new to keeping clams.

You can keep both of them under Pc's to start without the worry of killing them. Then when you upgrade to Metal Halides and are a little more comfortable with keeping clams you can add some beautiful Maxima's and or Crocea's.

Casey · 12-19-2003, 01:15 PM

I would not keep clams under pc lights especially little clams wait until you get the MHS and try to buy clams over 3in and you should have no problems.

MiddletonMark · 12-19-2003, 01:49 PM

I'd also wait a good while after adding the LR for things to settle and re-stabilize. IMO, clams are `long-term' residents of our tanks, worth waiting a while for things to be perfect for.

Casey · 12-19-2003, 02:00 PM

I agree Mark