Whats the story on clams?

[atxchris1234]

I've been told that they're easy to keep, and others have said that they're not easy. Been told that there is about a 50% chance that they'll die when introduced to a new tank, while others have said that they are a piece of cake as long as your calcium levels are correct.

I was wondering what your thoughts on them were. How do you keep them safe?

From what im reading online they need high light levels, good calcium and thats about it, whats so hard about that?

Thanks

[Texreefer]

never heard of the 50% thing,, high light and good calcium yes.... and stable water conditions

[tony]

lighting and calcium levels are important but there are also things to consider based on type of clam

derasa is a great first clam

[atxchris1234]

400-450 ppm is the required calcium level.

Suppose anyone who keeps clams has to have a calcium test kit eh?

[mathias]

#1 reason my clams have died is SAND....

I put them on rock they fall behind rock or on sandbed and by the time I notice its way to late.


Or they are on sand bed and a fish or current will blow sand in them and kill them...


Its horrible....


but they look so amazing when you do have them.

[jessinator752]

just over a year ago i had 2 clams. they did great in my 29 gal but when i upgraded to a 125 gal i had some lighting issues and lost a lot of stuff. that mixed with a power outage took care of a lot of my livestock. i do plan to get one in the near future.

[dapettit]

It too will depend o tankmates.

[atxchris1234]

It too will depend o tankmates.

What tankmates are bad?

[tony]

What tankmates are bad?

clowns can irritate them for one trying to host

mine did nothing detrimental though

[mathias]

any butterfly fish eat clams I believe...

and sand shifting fish I wouldn't recommend if you keep the clams on the sand bed.

[JimD]

My 6 year old Max....
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/JimD_photo/100_1598.jpg
Theyre pretty rizilliant for the most part, just watch out for Pyramid snails and preditors like the rabbitfish, some blennies will pick at the mantle, bristleworms can irritate the base or the foot but will not harm it, in general, with the proper lighting and acceptable parameters, you shouldnt have a problem. Good lord! Sorry for the giant pic! Can someone resize it for me??

[C.Mydas]

Here is a good article. Goes over everything from selection to placement (some clams prefer sand others rock).

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/Clam_care/Clam_care.htm

[CoryDude]

I agree w/Tony. A Deresa Clam is a good way to start. They're more forgiving in the light and water quality department. My first clam was a deresa and it lasted over ten years in my tank and reached a length of about 12 inches.