Clam question

[roundman]

I am ready to get a clam and I need some help. I have looked at web sites and there are many different species. I do want something in the blue/green color.

Are there some species that are better/easier to keep?

 

[jeep9783]

I find crocea's very easy to keep except they only get about 6-7in max (some do get bigger but most don't) I like the maxiums my sellf as they live for a extremely long time and i have had very very few trouble out of them just have lots of light and some good food and you should do well regardless (and water quality).

 

[geno]

I have a crocea that is happy as a clam:lol2:

Really, he's been virtually maintenance free -- They need lots of light so place him accordingly

 

[glxtrix]

Croceas will stay small (6") but require the highest amount of light of all the clams. They are as easy as Maximas to keep, however maximas will get larger (12")

 

[flyingarmy]

Ron...see if you can find a nice blue squamosa. A little expensive but very hardy and don't require as much light.

 

[glxtrix]

A true blue squammy will cost you several hundred dollars, and very hard to come upon. However a blue rim will be a little less. They are great ones tho.

 

[fisherwoman]

What is the smallest of the clams? (No, I don't want one, just wondering)

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I would not say that clam are maintenance free. They will soak up calcium and alkalinity like you wouldnt believe. I would suggest avoiding the maximas, they are generally the most sensitive, IME. Corceas are nice, but need a TON of light. Personally, for a first clam, I'd say go was a derasa, they are hardy, and can be quite colorful (although not the typical blue you mentioned).

Whatever yuo get, make sure yuor water is stable, and make sure you maintain your calcium and alk.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Fisherwoman;196979 wrote: What is the smallest of the clams? (No, I don't want one, just wondering)

croceas

 

[glxtrix]

Yeah and not to mention, then they die...its not good. They can fowl up your tank very quick! Well, depending on how big it is. Good call on the derasa Jeremy...they are also the cheaper of the clams too

 

[family reefer]

Here is my crocea... I have had him for almost 2 years now and I would guess (hope) he is about as big as he is gonna get...

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[family reefer]

I have to agree on the deresa AS well I just added one and the colors are muted but beautiful if one takes the time to look closely at the animal. I am pleased with mine.. No pics of him yet though
Scott

 

[glxtrix]

Here is one of my three clams...the Derasa.

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[ralph atl]

in order to maintain a clam for longer than 6 months you need the same water and light conditions as SPS EXCEPT phosphates & Nitrates.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php">http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php</a>

[IMG]http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php">http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php</a>

[IMG]http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm">http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm</a>

 

[sstraub5150]

I have 4 croceas and 1 blue maxima. Croceas to me have the best color. Just bear in mind that they need calcium.

 

[jcusmarine]

I have a 4" gold maxima and a 3" blue crocea that I got from an ARC Power buy back in the day (Keen Reef - Tim). They look great - I never feed them directly. They are housed in a 55 gallon reef with 520 watts PC lighting (4 x 130 watt). I would recommend adding at least one clam to your reef, they are a great addition to a mature and stable reef aquarium...to answer your question directly, I would recommend the crocea and they can be found in many great colorations of blue and green as you mentioned.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

everybody post some pics.

 

[glxtrix]

Here is my Teardrop Maxima:

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And my little squammy:

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[jmaneyapanda]

Thats no good Lee, I wanted close ups. I am trying to figure out how you got in</em> the tank to get those pics.

 

[drnecropolis]

That Maxima look awsome Lee, Where did you get it?

Rawn look at Clamsdirect.com they have some super cool ones.