My Big clam & SeaWorld

[Jimnorris]

I first like to say that the MAAST club (members) inspired and help me to make a wonderful decision.
My big gigas clam is on a huge growth spurt. The last couple of months he is growing almost 1/2 inch a month. This is very common for young gigas clams. Now I have a fairly large tank --- but it is alast not large enough for this clam. So after weighting all my options like bigger tank, selling him (there where many buyers), I have donated him to SeaWorld in San Antonio!!!!!! This process is not easy after several weeks and many more interviews the Vice President of SeaWorld's Zoological Department agree that a big gigas clam would be a great attraction. I am sure (almost 100%) that his new home will be the very reef tank we all visited!
So if all goes well not this sat. but next he will be drivin to his new home!
So how did MAAST inspire me? Simple after hosting a meeting and seeing how so many wonderful people (reefkeepers) enjoy him it made me want to share with as many people as possible! I will keep everyone posted if interested.
Your fellow MAAST member,
Jim

[DeletedAccount]

Keep us posted, I would love to visit him when he gets settled!

[matt]

Jim;

That's a really nice gesture on your part. Let's hope sea world can give the calm the care it deserves.

Matt

[::pete::]

Jim I am thinking on an easy starter clam for the 100 gallon ... any suggestions? Do you have any little clams ready to go? the 100 gallon is coming along nicely but I dont want my wife to come home one day with a soccer ball :-D ... though she is trying. just looking for peaceful and easy (easy as can be) ... and a BUD :shock:


Im more interested in a clam that will sit on the DS bottom

[Buster]

Jim,
That sounds like a great idea. I don't think you will be sorry with the decision you made, although I know it wasn't an easy one, I think it was the right one. It is almost like seeing your kid off. I can't wait to go see him at his new home at Sea World. I would love to stay posted on how he is doing also. Keep up the great work.

Nick

[Buster]

Yeah, that will be the day. hehe. :grin:

[Sherri]

How exciting Jim! Can't wait to see him in his new home. I'm sure Sea World will care for him ALMOST as much as you have. :-D He's a pretty special guy...really cool that so many people will be fascinated when they see him. Really would like an update on him too.

BTW...I love my baby maxima. Soooo beautiful & happy.

Ya did good... ;)

Sherri

[Henry]

Great idea Jim. I can just imagine how hard its going to be leaving him there and driving home. But now people from all over the world will be able to gaze in amazement just like we did at your house.

Henry

[TexasState]

I think Seaworld has one of my clam too. If this transaction is not tax deductable, you should ask them to trade you some SPS frags.
Or an even better ideas, ask them if we can put a name plaque w/ the inscription "Giant Clam donated by www.MAAST.Org" This would help to raise the awareness for the club. We will be the one paying for the plague.

[Isis]

That plaque thingy is a great idea!! I wonder if MARSH can do something like that too???

[RedDragon]

Well Jim not you have a big empty spot in your heart and your tank,LOL :-D :lol:

[Sherri]

I doubt the spot will be empty for long... ;)

Sherri

[Jimnorris]

Sherri,
Your GOOD! As a matter of fact the new tenants are waiting to move in.
Jim :D

[captexas]

Jim - a great donation by a great guy! Hopefully they will put some info on the clam up so visitors can learn about it. Most people outside the hobby think that clams are only like the ones you eat at seafood restuarants! I think it will be a great addition to their reef exhibit.

As far as the plaque goes, Jim is the one that should be given the credit, not MAAST as it is his clam that he has taken care of and is personal to him. If you don't get a tax deduction or frags like Vinh suggested, they should give you season tickets!

Chris

[Sherri]

My Mama didn't raise no fool... :lol3:

Sherri

[matt]

I kind of agree with Vinh about the frag trading, and I definitely like the idea of the plaque. The reason here is that sea world is a for profit amusement park, not a non-profit marine research center like many aquariums. Consequently, while it's really nice to donate to them, especially in the absence of a local marine research facility, it's appropriate to get something in return. Not that sea world doesn't do research or contribute to the hobby, but their primary focus is tourism.

Maybe we can get sea world more involved with MAAST in some sponsorship way. Certainly, the donation of VERY valuable livestock from one of our members is a nice entry point for discussions with them about this. Howe do you feel about that, Jim, it's your clam!

Matt

[Jimnorris]

The way I think is that maybe we should get MAAST more involved and then more will want to get involed with MAAST! I think we at MAAST can be the leaders. I think by members getting out there and getting involved people will come to us?????? Seaworld is going to give the gigas a worldful home where many people can see the true giant clam. A plaque well maybe----we all know it came from a MAAST member that is what counts!
Jim

[Buster]

I'll second that.