What Are Your Keys To Success With Clams

[hurrifan]

I just bought a 3" tridacnid (sp) maxima from my LFS. What are the absolute must do's to be successful with a clam? What are some of the additives you all use?

The clam is currently on the sand of my 180 (6x2x2). I was told to put him there so he can adjust to my 400W MH. Where should I put him once his is adjusted to the lights? Salanity is the same as my LFS at 1.25. Any advice or experience that may help would be appreciated.

[ November 20, 2001: Message edited by: Hurrifan ]</p>

 

[toptank]

IMO, placing him on the bottom at first was a good suggestion. Later you may want to move him up into your LR to get more light. They like iodine.

On my site I have a great link regarding clams. A must for the beginner and advanced clam raiser.

http://sandiegoreefkeeper.homestead.com/index.html

 

[hurrifan]

Great read Toptank. Thanks a lot.

 

[pathos]

Iodine? Could you please elaborate Toptank...

 

[Roach]

I once heard that you were supposed to stay away from strontium(sp) if you have clams in your tank. can anyone confirm this, toptank?

 

[slojmn1]

I am clueless as to why my 2 maximas and 3 croceas seem to be growing and thriving. They are in all different parts of the aquarium. I do have a lot of light over this tank and I dose Dt's once or twice a week, somewhat haphazardly. I asked for Danile Knopps Giant Clams book for Christmas

to find out what I should really be doing. In all fairness I did quite a bit of research before I purchased these clams. I plan on getting 2 more in the next year, just waiting to find the right ones.

 

[Ben1]

I am sure you mean SG of 1.025 which is good. Keep an eye on your Ca, and Alk. Be sure that your Ca is around 420 ppm and Alk around 4.o meg/l. I would also suggest to be sure that the byssus gland is on a piece of broken shell as it is sitting on your sand. This will give you the option to move the clam with out damaging it in the future.

 

[Evets]

DT's phyto plankton is important, IMO. Less than pristine water also helps, as do stable CA and Alk levels. Don't move the clam around from one place to another unless the clam itself indicates it is unhappy. Careful observation of the clam before you buy is essential. It wouldn't hurt to read Knop's book on clams. Perhaps a wrasse that eats the pyramillid (sp?) snails that can prey on clams? I use a Leopard wrasse, although others will do. Rotate the clam when you first introduce it to the tank so that no air bubbles are trapped in or under the clam. Strong light. And so on, and so on...
-Steve