Clams

[backtotropical]

I've looked around, but all the ones i can find get really big and so are unsuitable.

Does anyone know of any clams which stay reasonably small?

Thanks

BTT

 

[BigC]

Dont forget you need to have a high level of lighting and both extremely good and stable water conditions before you even contemplate keeping a clam. If you do, then I think Tridacna crocea would fit the bill but even they will get to 5-6ins. Sometimes available on Fleabay.
Regards
BigC

 

[bg7003]

You can just get about any clam, as long as you have the stable water conditions, etc.. Most clams have a slow grow rate so in like 6 years you may have to look to get rid of your maxima.

 

[GShorty1981]

I got about 30 of them in my tank that came on the Live Rock,wierd things they climb the rocks and glass via a massive tongue!

 

[SkiFletch]

Derasa and Crocea clams don't get much more than 5-6" long when fully grown. As mentioned their growth rate is very slow and you can easily keep one. I have a 2 year old Crocea that I got at about 4" shell length, it's now grown maybe a 1/4 or 1/2" since I got it... Also, they do require some strong lighting, so be prepared for that. And lastly, Derasa are significantly easier to keep than Crocea

 

[Alex Brown]

can i keep a clam under 4 t5's? 2 white and 2 blue, 156W total.

 

[kj23502]

can i keep a clam under 4 t5's? 2 white and 2 blue, 156W total.

I was informed by a marine biologist that actinics have a low par value (light used by corals) and told me to opt for 2 50/50's instead of 2 actinics.

and the other 2 he suggested was 2 daylight bulbs.
This is exactly what he wrote to me on our local forum.

For lights I would do 2 50/50 or smart bulbs and 2 daylight. Do not know the K value so not to sure. But you do not need the actinic in such high amount unless for looks. They are low in par values=growing light avaible to corals.

I said:

Thanks. You've been very helpful I do like the look of the actinics, especially on my blue cichlids. I've looked at quite a few pictures where it made the corals appear to "glow"

And then he said:

I would go with 2 10k and 2 50/50. This is best for looks and growth of corals. Might look better with more actinic but, after awhile you might be looking at skeletons, but those glow to.....

 

[andywg]

Another thing to remember is that clams under 4" are a bit harder to keep as they don't have enough algae to support them alone and as such filter feed. The sort of water they desire is somewhat different to that which most corals want.

When picking a clam lean over the tank and use your hand to cast a shadow on it. If the clam doesn't close then it is in a bad way and should be avoided.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Is there any easy way to identify them. There is a small one in my LFS I have been looking at for a few weeks now but they dont know what type it is.

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, you can get an idea of it if you know the color pattern of the mantle, and the shape of the shell. Smooth sided ones are Crocea or Derasa while more ribbed sided shells are maxima or gigas. Crocea are usually more purple while Derasa is often more orange/brown. Maxima are also usually more purple/blue while gigas are often brown or black and very spotted like a cheetah. great descriptions I know

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Thanks ski, that is actually a really good description and one im actually likely to remember

The one is the LFS must be a Maxima because it has ribbed sides and is blue.