Buying a Clam Reccomendation

[Andy O]

Thinking of getting one but have never had one before. Any reccomendations? I like the colorful (blue, green) but don't want something that is going to grow to be enormous.

What type of requirements do they have (i.e. feeding, flow, etc.)

Thanks

 

[scavdog]

Well your setup is certainly built for a clam. Your lighting is very adequate. Try a nice ultra maxima or crocea. They stay small and come in a variety of color variations. Try to aim fo something 3"+. The smaller ones seem to require more care (phytoplankton baths etc etc).

I have kept clams for years with no issues. Although feeding phyto is good for them, I find it to be unnecessary.

When purchasing a clam, one wants to look for tight incurrent syphon (looks like a mouth). Gaping could be a sign of stress. Other things you want to look for is pyramellid snails. Inspect the mantle for these PITA.

Out of the 2 clams crocea stay smaller. For more info, we have Daniel Knop's clam book in the library. It explains everything from feeding to pests and disease.

hth,

Joe

 

[RichConley]

If size is an issue, than crocea is your clam. Even Maximas can get 12" or bigger.

 

[Andy O]

What is the difference b/t the ultra maxima and crocea

 

[scavdog]

Tridacna crocea is the smallest of all the Tridacna species. Even full grown, its shells do not grow larger than 13-15 cm.

Tridacna maxima resembles T. Squamosa in size, reaching a maximum of 31-40 cm but in general it remains considerably smaller.

Colorations on these clams range from dull - brilliant.

 

[Andy O]

Thanks.

does the ultra refer to the grade of the clam?

 

[scavdog]

here is some good reading:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tridacselfaqs.htm

 

[scavdog]

does the ultra refer to the grade of the clam?

Indeed, it does.

 

[Andy O]

here is some good reading:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tridacselfaqs.htm

Thanks for the link...it was a good read.

 

[RichConley]

Andy, the ultra is a marketing term.

 

[dz6t]

There is no set standard for grading clams. If you like the color, it is Ultra.

 

[scavdog]

FWIW:

Regardless of formalities, many farms including ORA use a grading system to rate coloration of clams.

Here is ORA's grading scheme.

Tridacna maxima - First Grade - Solid purple-blue color
Tridacna maxima - Ultra Grade - Bright green & turquoise color patterns
Tridacna maxima - Gold - Golden brown color with patterns
Tridacna maxima - Zebra - Black and white stripe pattern


Tridacna crocea - Ultra Grade - Electric green color
Tridacna crocea - Gold - Golden Brown color

 

[MarkO]

make sure you drip acclimate.

 

[Liam]

how about a nice blue squamosa

 

[Andy O]

how about a nice blue squamosa

What is the difference between this and a maxima and crocea.

 

[Duds]

blue squamosa's are very rare hard to find
Duds

 

[Liam]

yes like duds said probably a difference of about $500

 

[Liam]

this sold for $800 recentlyhttp://www.reefscience.com/images/corals/1120/DSCF0129.JPG

 

[scottv1025]

i have 2 clams not sure the names of them . they are blue and purple and do i have to hand feed they are 4 - 5 inches . if yes how do i hand feed also and what do i feed them .

 

[pantinor]

the gold tear drop maxima is very cool too.