Clams, Clams, Clams!

[pilot_bell777]

OK.....

I am thinking about a clam (squamosa) real hard for my new tank setup....(won't add too early but getting prepared)

I have never kept a clam before and want to know everyone's experiences, dos, don'ts, etc.....

A couple questions:
1) Are there any inverts that should not be kept with clams: Cleaner Shirmp, Brittle Stars, Hermit Crabs, etc?
2) Are there any corals/Anemones that should not be kept with corals?
3) Are there any reef safe fish that do not do well with clams?
4) Any special equipment needed?
5) What's best to feed?


I've read a lot about them (as usual before I get anything new) but everyone talks about the technical questions and no one talks about the everyday work in keeping them.

I want the clam to be the primary focus of this tank surrounded by LR with corals and two maybe three small fish. Kind of a coral/anomone/CLAM tank

Fish (wanted): Marron Striped Clown and a yellow Tang....maybe a small wrasse or dartfish.

Inverts (wanted): couple cleaner shrimp, couple brittle stars, snails, feather dusters, etc

Corals (wanted): Frogspawn, mushrooms, ricordia, acropora, blastamousa

Anemone: RBTA (gona try again) :o

Of course all this depends on (the wife, lOl :unsure ) what fits in what space.

Anything anyone can think of that I "SHOULD" know, please post!!!

[GaryP]

Everything you mentioned sounds good to me. Just remember that a squamosa is one of the larger clams and you shopuld plan ahead for growth. It doesn't need as much light as a crocea or maxima. You should also plan as to what you are going to feed it. It needs to be fed phyto a couple of times a week. You might want to consider starting a green water culture so you have a steady, low cost supply of food.

[StephenA]

Go by Knop's Book on Giant clams (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=BKGC&ast=&key=).

I've kept several and have had mixed reviews. My Derasa is my oldest. If you get a small one (under 3") you will have to hand feed it. Once they get above 4" you really don't need to feed them.

Everything on you tank list looks safe. Stay away from Angels, Triggers, etc. Just watch everyone. I had a blenny that was nipping at my clam mantles.

Do you have Metal Halide lighting? I think it's a must, even for a squamosa. You should also get a CA reactor or atleast make sure you keep you CA around 420.

[GaryP]

Butterflies will eat clams too, especially if they are newly introduced clams. Clams produce a stress pheromone that is like an irresistible feeding trigger for butterflies. So, if you are going to add a butterfly, its better to add it after the clam is situated and happy as a clam. I have a butterfly in a tank with two clams.

[pilot_bell777]

A squamosa is larger than a Maxima or Derasa?

I have MH....which are easier to take care of? Which one make a good first time clam? I'm not set on the squamosa...I just thought it didn't get as big as the other ones. I can setup any flow needed, the lighting is more than enough, not worried about Calc......so with that said; WHICH CLAM do I choice?

I really like the Blue Maximas but thought they got HUGE! What is the one that digs into rocks and attaches....I don't want that one all though I read to give it a little rock, let it attach, and then burry the rock in the subsstr. so it appears to be on the sand bed. Not sure, still deciding though.

What experiences has everyone had and which would you recommend for a first timer. Reading on Liveaquaria.com says they all get to about the same size, so now I don't know what to believe besides everyone's posting. I personally would love the blue maxiama.

Suggestions?

[pilot_bell777]

Will they eat Marine Snow? or can you purchase clam food at the LFS? They are filter feeders, but size of the plankton is important, correct?

Dang....I've got a lot of questions! sorry...just would rather have too much info then not enought and cause a beautifule animal to die.

[StephenA]

The Derasa are the easiest I've had. All giant clams get large, keyword "Giant". My derasa has added an inch to his shell in a year. That said; I don't feed him! The smaller ones eat phytoplankton (DT's). The derasa is a great first clam. They color up much better when you get them home too.

Maximas are rock clams and can bore in to rocks. I"ve always kept my clams in the sand.

Don't worry about feeding them! Just feed your corals and fish. They will eat what ever passes by if they need it.

[don-n-sa]

go to clams direct and click on forum...it has a ton of great info.

link

http://www.clamsdirect.com/

[GaryP]

I just push some 3-4" PVC unions into the sand bed and let the clams attach to the PVC. It doesn't have to be rock. Maximas and Croceas generally require MH but squamosa and derasas can handle lower light levels. Maximas and Croceas are generally more colorful and are generally more popular. They are slower grouping than the Hippo, Squamosa, and Derasa clams. Any of them are going to be fairly easy for a beginner. The only real difference is their light requirements. I would recommend starting with a larger clam that does not require a lot of feeding. They seem hardier too. I would also recommend getting a clam that you have seen at the LFS for a while and you know has survived the stress of shipment. Although the larger clams don't require feeding, I think they do a little better if they are fed. I think the clam direct link is a good place to go for info on feeding them. Those guys are clam specialists.

[pilot_bell777]

Good forum, thank you!

[StephenA]

Good forum, thank you!

Become a Charter Member and/or come to our June Meeting in NW Austin.

[pilot_bell777]

Good forum, thank you!

Become a Charter Member and/or come to our June Meeting in NW Austin.

I plan on it as soon as things calm down a little, thus the reason the tank isn't setup yet!

I was thinking about coming to the June meeting.

[Tim Marvin]

A couple questions:
1) Are there any inverts that should not be kept with clams: Cleaner Shirmp, Brittle Stars, Hermit Crabs, etc?
2) Are there any corals/Anemones that should not be kept with corals?
3) Are there any reef safe fish that do not do well with clams?
4) Any special equipment needed?
5) What's best to feed?


1) shouldn't be a problem
2)There are lots of corals that should not be kept with other corals, but clams should be OK.
3) Sixline wrasses do excellent maintainence on clams and help to keep them parasite free.
4) Halides (for best results) good water quality (pristine is not necessary)
5) I use cyclopeeze and regular foods for the fish and corals, the clams must be getting enough from this. Maintain your calcium levels.

[pilot_bell777]

THanks Tim....I always look forward to your advice! :shades

I will keep the 6 line in mind for sure...was thinking about one of those anyway.

Got the MH, was going to add Antinic and moon glows to the mix.