Maxima clam

[ibleedblue65]

I have a small maxima in my 72 bow and it is my first attempt at a clam. I'm afraid I don't know much and would like some input. He is in the sand bed and I have a coralife aqualight pro. Its two 150's and some pc actinics. Is this enough lighting for him? Should I move him up? Thanks in advance guys and any input on keeping this guy will be appreciated.

 

[gnashty]

Hardiness:</em> <span style="font-size: 12px">T. maxima</em> is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to moderate water flow.</span>
<span style="font-size: 12px">Lighting</em>: </span><span style="font-size: 12px">Requires fairly intense lighting, preferably MH. The clam coloration can change depending upon lighting conditions. The top clam was solid blue under 6.5K lighting and the grey edging occurred once the lighting was changed to 10K. All clams in these pictures are kept under 400W 10K MH lighting.</span>
<span style="font-size: 12px">Water Current</em>: Low to moderate.</span>

<span style="font-size: 12px">Temperature</span></em><span style="font-size: 12px">: </span><span style="font-size: 12px">Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.</span>
<span style="font-size: 12px">Aggressiveness:</em> None</span>
<span style="font-size: 12px">Feeding:</em> Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.</span>

<span style="font-size: 12px">Supplements:</span></em><span style="font-size: 12px">Proper calcium levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.</span>

<span style="font-size: 12px">Tank Positioning:</em> </span><span style="font-size: 12px">Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.</span>

http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/maxima.htm">http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/maxima.htm</a>
taken from this website, i just googled it and clicked on the first one so youll want to check it out for yourself - it seems pretty consistent with what I have read about them before..

 

[gnashty]

Barbara;604474 wrote: Two 150s as in 2 metal halides? If I recall correctly, the 72 bowfront is about 24" deep (top to bottom); correct? 150 MH is a stretch for 24 inches, but you should be able to observe the clam, notice if it's not happy (mantle not extending properly), and try to move it around a little. Just remember to put it on an inverted shell or another rock for support in case it decides to attach it's foot. And also be aware that they can "jump" if they are on a rock ledge and not happy, so be careful if you move it up on the reef.

I think ideally clams should be on the bottom. It prevents them from attaching to your reef and also keeps them from "jumping" and landing upside down in the sand or on an SPS. However, you have to have enough light reaching the sandbed. Maximas require a bit more light than a deresa clam (if I'm remembering correctly). Just keep an eye on it.

Good luck.

+1

FWIW I keep a Maxima under T5HO about 25" down on the sandbed and he does great and has grown alot over the last year. I dont get the coloration I would under MH though...

 

[ibleedblue65]

Yes, they are metal halides. The tank itself is 23 inches from the to of the trim, to the bottom. Water depth is obviously shorter. He had been in the sand bed for a 1 1/2 weeks. He opens fully every day but has lost a little color. How fast can they go down hill on you? Is there anything else I should look for?

 

[ibleedblue65]

Of and thanks guys. Its always good to get first hand experience.