Clam Placement

[brandonst878]

Hello,
I'm planning on getting my first clam today and was thinking about his placement. I want to put him on a piece of rubble so that he can be moved if need be. Will that work or will a piece of rubble be too unstable? Also, I have 2 250w 14k mh's with 2 54w t5 acentics. From what I have researched this should be adequate for all clams. If I get a Croecea will it need to be toward the top of the tank or will the lower portion be okay? Any advice on placement is appreciated.

[bureau13]

It depends on what type of clam. Squamosas and Derasas require less light and prefer to be on the sand, at least as adults, whereas Maximas and Croceas are usually in the rocks, closer to the liights.


jds

[Snowsrfr]

I've got a crocea and maxima under 2 x 250W MH's, and I have them placed about midway up in the rocks. I would also notice the placement of the clam at the store you purchase it from. If the have it down lower, you'll want to do the same and slowly move him higher up in your tank. You can also attach him to a piece of rubble, for easier moving. Just bury the rubble in the sand and place the clam on top. He'll fully attach in day or two.

[seapug]

With 500 watts of MH on a 90 gallon tank you should be able to put them about anywhere but a cave. I have 300 watts of MH on my 90 gallon and have 4 clams in various places-- some in the sand, others on rocks. All are healthy and growing so you should have no problems either. As far as making a moveable "home" for the clam goes, I've seen people use small (2inch) terra cotta plant saucers as bases. Since they are cupped up at the edges the clams settle right in and attach. It's hard to get them to attach to a piece of rubble unless it's shaped just right-- some sort of stabilizing notch seems to be the key.