clam keeping

mullinsd2 · 08/21/2009, 10:16 AM

So, I want to buy a clam soon! The plan is to keep him on the sand bed. My lighting is 8 bulb t5 ho bulbs 54 watt w/o ind. reflectors. Will this be a good place for it? Also, I know that there are easier to keep clams and harder to keep ones; which would you recommend for a first timer? I would like one with nice vibrant color/ colors since I plan on keeping it long term! Don't want anything to big. I have a nice open area in the front of the tank. 12 inches should be fine.

seattleguy · 08/21/2009, 11:20 AM

I think that your lighting will be fine. I've kept clams for 10 years and tried everything. Currently I have a maxima in a 24g. Aquapod under 4ea. 36W power compacts and he's growing just fine. I would recommend getting at least a 3" clam if at all possible. Most of the clams that I have lost over the years were cute little small ones that were there one day and gone the next. I suspect predators, Crabs or bristle worms? Good Luck!

jlemoine2 · 08/21/2009, 12:49 PM

There may be a variety of opinions on this. From my understanding, certain experts recommend 250-300 PAR as a minimum for keeping a clam long-term. Clams may appear to be doing fine for several months to a year, then suddenly die. They need ample light to live and grow.

As far as you lighting goes, it would depend on the water depth. If you have a shallow tank, you might be okay. A deeper tank (maybe over 20") I don't think the lighting will be sufficient to keep a clam on the sand bed.

RealReef7 · 08/21/2009, 01:22 PM

I honestly think every clam does best in MH lighting... but again ive seen alot of clams being kept under t5's and I think 8 t5's will get the job done.

cloak · 08/21/2009, 01:42 PM

Here's a good article.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/jf/index.php

Cracken · 08/21/2009, 01:52 PM

Well T5 lighting would be best for keeping a clam on the bottom because itt penetrates the water better then MH. You wont know if it wont be enought till you try it.

Crocea most light
Maxima 2nd most
Squamosa 3rd
Derasa 4th
Gigas lastly

mullinsd2 · 08/22/2009, 02:24 AM

Off of the sand bed is always an option... I know I can keep a clam higher up but I love the look of them on the sandbed. I still plan on waiting about a month or two.

mullinsd2 · 08/22/2009, 10:37 AM

How does one go about attaching a clam? I have read many different methods, but I'd just like to see what the most popular and simple way seems to be.

FreakonaReef · 08/22/2009, 10:46 AM

My 10" squamosa clam on the sandbed under T5 lighting and has grown about 3" since I bought it

jaybfresh · 08/22/2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mullinsd2
How does one go about attaching a clam? I have read many different methods, but I'd just like to see what the most popular and simple way seems to be.

You shouldnt attach a clam. It will attach itself with its foot. You can place it in a general area but it could move around. I have one that stays put and one that scoots around a small area

coral_lagoon · 08/22/2009, 09:40 PM

Heres my 2 show size gold squamosa ,Crocea clams(6.5-7inches). They are under 250watt 14K (phoenix) metal halide along with 2 T5 actinics.

cloak · 08/23/2009, 02:05 PM

I just got this derasa a few weeks ago. It's in a 20 gallon tank with a 175 watt XM 20,000K, and two 24 watt T5 actinics. Seems to be doing pretty good.

08/21/2009, 10:16 AM	#1
mullinsd2 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 753	clam keeping So, I want to buy a clam soon! The plan is to keep him on the sand bed. My lighting is 8 bulb t5 ho bulbs 54 watt w/o ind. reflectors. Will this be a good place for it? Also, I know that there are easier to keep clams and harder to keep ones; which would you recommend for a first timer? I would like one with nice vibrant color/ colors since I plan on keeping it long term! Don't want anything to big. I have a nice open area in the front of the tank. 12 inches should be fine.

08/21/2009, 12:49 PM	#3
jlemoine2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 200	There may be a variety of opinions on this. From my understanding, certain experts recommend 250-300 PAR as a minimum for keeping a clam long-term. Clams may appear to be doing fine for several months to a year, then suddenly die. They need ample light to live and grow. As far as you lighting goes, it would depend on the water depth. If you have a shallow tank, you might be okay. A deeper tank (maybe over 20") I don't think the lighting will be sufficient to keep a clam on the sand bed. __________________ -James Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef w/ 40 gallon frag tank.

08/21/2009, 11:20 AM	#2
seattleguy Moved On Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 141	I think that your lighting will be fine. I've kept clams for 10 years and tried everything. Currently I have a maxima in a 24g. Aquapod under 4ea. 36W power compacts and he's growing just fine. I would recommend getting at least a 3" clam if at all possible. Most of the clams that I have lost over the years were cute little small ones that were there one day and gone the next. I suspect predators, Crabs or bristle worms? Good Luck!

08/21/2009, 01:22 PM	#4
RealReef7 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: bikini island Posts: 954	I honestly think every clam does best in MH lighting... but again ive seen alot of clams being kept under t5's and I think 8 t5's will get the job done.

08/21/2009, 01:42 PM	#5
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Here's a good article. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/jf/index.php

08/21/2009, 01:52 PM	#6
Cracken Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 306	Well T5 lighting would be best for keeping a clam on the bottom because itt penetrates the water better then MH. You wont know if it wont be enought till you try it. Crocea most light Maxima 2nd most Squamosa 3rd Derasa 4th Gigas lastly

08/22/2009, 02:24 AM	#7
mullinsd2 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 753	Off of the sand bed is always an option... I know I can keep a clam higher up but I love the look of them on the sandbed. I still plan on waiting about a month or two.

08/22/2009, 10:37 AM	#8
mullinsd2 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 753	How does one go about attaching a clam? I have read many different methods, but I'd just like to see what the most popular and simple way seems to be.

08/22/2009, 10:46 AM	#9
FreakonaReef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: N. Las Vegas, NV Posts: 176	My 10" squamosa clam on the sandbed under T5 lighting and has grown about 3" since I bought it

08/22/2009, 09:40 PM	#11
coral_lagoon Pushrod Powered Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Down The Corkscrew , CA Posts: 1,263	Heres my 2 show size gold squamosa ,Crocea clams(6.5-7inches). They are under 250watt 14K (phoenix) metal halide along with 2 T5 actinics.

08/23/2009, 02:05 PM	#12
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I just got this derasa a few weeks ago. It's in a 20 gallon tank with a 175 watt XM 20,000K, and two 24 watt T5 actinics. Seems to be doing pretty good.