Clams

I haven't had success with the Maxima clam so I was wondering which is the easiest/ most hardy ... Dersa, Crocea or Squamosa?

 

I think Dersa is the easiest. I've never had a Squmosa though and I think they are also classified as relatively easy keepers too.

 

What problems are you having with them? Is it light or flow? Or are they being eaten?

 

Thanks Dave!

 

I'm not sure Chris. They have been mid-way up underMH & CF's and T-5's. They were both about 2"'. Flow medium to medium-high. One didn't open and one I found with an empty shell. They were on rocks, of course :0)

 

Size was your problem. Smaller ones are harder to keep. Get a big one and you should be fine!

 

That's what I was wondered if they were just too small. So what is a good size and is there any way to know the clam is healthy/unhealthy?

 

I've seen threads about needing to target feed until its over 2" or so, I would imagine that the bigger they are the easier but also the more expensive. healthy would be one that reacts quickly and closes up if you put your hand over it. It should also open right up once your hand is away. But my problem with clams has always been I wake up one day and it's half eaten.

 

Ive bought two after one small one dieing and theyre both at least 5". Ones about the size of a football and i got it at fall fest a few years back for 80.

 

I lost a couple also, since then I have been more diligent about using phtyo or plankton in the liquid form and I have mine about med height in the tank.....atleast 1 dose a week sometimes twice...I have a Blue Maxima & Crocea...about 3" now seem to be happy...

 

I have 2 that I've purchased and are doing very well in my 29g Biocube and a Kessel 150 Ocean Blue light. One was 3 inches (Crocea) when I bought it a little over a year ago and is 5 inches now. The other is about 4 inches (Derasa) and I've had it a few months. Both are doing very well and I know at some point they will outgrow the cube but for now they look great in their home.


I've found that you keep them under high light and when they are smaller you need to feed them. Just feed them the normal food you would your corals. I keep them in a low flow area of the tank. The larger ones don't need fed they just feed off the light. Getting ones that are aquacultured seem to do better.


Sounds like you may have something in the tank that's eating them especially with an empty shell.

 

I just bought one this weekend. Trying a derasa.. I will let you know how it goes. About 3 inches currently.. I did get some Phyto feast to feed as well as the normal coral food I already feed.