clam keeping for dummies vol. 1
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I wouldnt recommend maximas as a first clam. They are easily the most sensitive (and prone to failure). Probably a derasa or squamosa would be better starters. But anyone who feels confidant can keeps maximas.
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my first clam was a crocea
glxtrix;85861 wrote: croceas can be on sand, but they tend to prefer rock. As I stated in the post, it would be best to find a clam shell to sit him on, then you could move him around easierBut if you dont like that look, on the rocks will be fine. Good deal AJ, glad I can help get that motivation back. I bought a clam a month ago, that was my first since that time we dont talk about anymore. Its comforting to have one back in the tank, although its a teardrop maxima not a crocea.
I wish I'd have used the clam shell idea when I first put my clam in the tank, as I was gradually going to move'em up the rock pile, but he attached to a large base rock right under the substrate, although he loves all the natural sun he's (it's a boy a guess) this time of year, but would be nice to have him closer to the MH. He's NOT where I wanted him, but if he's happy, it's ok.
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WOW! Thank you for posting that... Based on what I'm reading, unless I plan to replace my fluorescent lights with sopmepoerful stuff, I should stay away from getting clams, right?
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mojo;103375 wrote: What about the poor gigas?
I just bought one for my tank that's getting aquascaped - it'll go in after a few days...
gigas are for punks who need fast cars and big clams to validate their small.....
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...tanks?
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mojo;103852 wrote: What are you saying...?
Well done. I assume your gonna aquascape the new tank like the old one (sparse rockwork-ish. If so, a nice gigas will look perfect in a little lagoon.
Yup- I need to take pictures - I'll move the discussion over to my rebuild thread.
To add to Lee's excellent thread-
T. gigas</em> is the largest of the clam species. The same requirements (high light, good water quality, high calcium) still apply here. Although the gigas doesn't require the extreme lights that the crocea</em>s and maxima</em>s do, they can adapt over time. gigas</em> are very fast growers, and grow to be very large - up to 3 feet in length. Because of their growth rate, calcium demand placed on the system is very high, and the owner should account for this when planning to house a gigas</em>. Gigas can be aquacultured, and can be found typically with yellow, green, and blue mantles, although typically not as brightly colored as crocea</em>s or maxima</em>s.
To add to Lee's excellent thread-
T. gigas</em> is the largest of the clam species. The same requirements (high light, good water quality, high calcium) still apply here. Although the gigas doesn't require the extreme lights that the crocea</em>s and maxima</em>s do, they can adapt over time. gigas</em> are very fast growers, and grow to be very large - up to 3 feet in length. Because of their growth rate, calcium demand placed on the system is very high, and the owner should account for this when planning to house a gigas</em>. Gigas can be aquacultured, and can be found typically with yellow, green, and blue mantles, although typically not as brightly colored as crocea</em>s or maxima</em>s.
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A little add on, too. Currently, the oldest captive clam (that we know of) resides in the Waikiki Aquarium. It is a Gigas that was picked up and grwon by our very own BrUce Carlson. It's COLLOSAL. Gigas are often (incorrectly) accused of bleaching, but they ahve an unusual mantle appearance. They have lots of tiny little "windows" of clear tissue in the mantle.
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I read an article recently about a giant clam (can't remember which species) that was collected during world war II and has been passed around a few research tanks. Now of course I can't find it.
I think Dr. Carlson's clam is the oldest clam bread in captivity. I could be wrong though.
-Loren
I think Dr. Carlson's clam is the oldest clam bread in captivity. I could be wrong though.
-Loren
Good Article. I had my Crocea on the sand for awhile and he was starting to loose his color after time. I moved him up high on the rocks, but didn't know the clam shell trick. He attached and then I had a Bi-color blenny that decided the clam was too close to his turf and he started nipping on it constantly. I had to cut the clam off the rock as far away from his foot as I could. I then got a clam shell from CapBay and he attached to it and I moved him up under the other MH and all seems to be well as he is extended nice, small slit, and has brought back a ton of the blues in him. The clam shell trick to be able to move the clam around without having to cut him off is a crucial trick and one I will never forget when clam keeping. I've know had the clam for around 4-5 months and he looks happy. Seems to have grown some as he was a small (2") clam when I got him, but appears to be near the 2 1/2" mark now. Thanks for a great thread and article.
Matt
Matt
glxtrix;104013 wrote: glad I could be of some help
I'll do it (because it was requested and makes sense!).
