beginner clams-Is there such a thing?

[sean1986]

So Iv owned a blue baby maxima over a year ago, it was only an inch long and my light wasn't adequate. Sadly it died because of my lack of knowledge & research. I'd like to try my luck again.

 

So I'm wondering out of the Derasa`s, maximas,squamosa which is hardier? I know blue requires a stronger light because the blue mantel reflex the light. And I've learned to stay away from any under 2 inches.

 

Any input would be welcome and appreciated, Thanks!

[Jaden1592]

Anything not blue and over 2 inches. Try again

[sean1986]

I just hate killing corals, iv only lost 3-4 things. I think ill look for a nice gold color.

Are the aguacultured ones hardier?

[sangheili]

Derasa's are hardy from what i've read. I just got a 2" derasa and it is beautiful!

[Pinner Reef]

Clams are more trouble than they are worth. Think of them like an SPS, If you're questioning your skills, stay away.

JMHO

[th64]

Sounds like you know what not to get so that is good but Deresas are suppose to be hardier I believe

[icedearth15324]

Deresas are much easier to take care of, just remember they also eventually grow very large. I've had one for about 8 months now, and about 5 months of that time was in my 12g nanocube. It easily doubled in size while in that tank.

 

Get one around 2-2.5", and put it in the sand. If your lights still aren't good enough, then you'll need to find a way to move it up, but still keep it in the sand.

[HALLZOO]

Derasas are the most forgiving if you have water quality and light shortcomings.

 

If you have doubts, you should focus on your husbandry in the near-term. Once you have a method that works for you, and you can keep LPS thriving/growing, then your skills are good enough for a derasa. IMO a proper calcium/alkalinity maintenance method is essential to keeping these creatures.

 

Here's my 2 year old Derasa (top-down view). He's under 6x39w T5HO, and I use a modified Balliing method to maintain alkalinity:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Derasa and Squamosa are the "easiest". However, both get quite large and can grow quickly. So, IMO are not long-term suitable for a nano sized tank.

 

Tom

[GHill762]

Clams are more trouble than they are worth. Think of them like an SPS, If you're questioning your skills, stay away.

JMHO

I've found my clam to be MUCH easier, and more interesting than any SPS..

[chicagoreef]

I've found my clam to be MUCH easier, and more interesting than any SPS..

 

So what makes the clam more interesting? Does it "do" anything beyond open and close? I've thought about one day trying to keep a clam since they can be quite beautfiul, but wasn't expecting any benefit beyond that. Ok, the SPS is like a stick with some things swaying in the current.

[GHill762]

So what makes the clam more interesting? Does it "do" anything beyond open and close? I've thought about one day trying to keep a clam since they can be quite beautfiul, but wasn't expecting any benefit beyond that. Ok, the SPS is like a stick with some things swaying in the current.

they're just more interesting to look at and raise than a color stick imo.. they react to their surroundings, extend their mantle, etc.. they have a "behaviour" more than a coral does.. idk.. just my personal opinion.. take it for what it's worth..

[sean1986]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I'm not worried about my husbandry iv been doing well for almost a year now. I have a retro fitted t-5 fixture with 3-24 watt bulbs and 4 panorama pros. So my lights should be enough, opinions?

And I keep all my parms in check and do water changes every Sunday.

[icedearth15324]

So what makes the clam more interesting? Does it "do" anything beyond open and close? I've thought about one day trying to keep a clam since they can be quite beautfiul, but wasn't expecting any benefit beyond that. Ok, the SPS is like a stick with some things swaying in the current.

 

They react and respond to the environment. They can look absolutely stunning. And technically, since they feed on ammonia and nitrates, they can be beneficial to a reef tank. I like clams more than most SPS, and I've found them to be easier to keep personally.

[HALLZOO]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I'm not worried about my husbandry iv been doing well for almost a year now. I have a retro fitted t-5 fixture with 3-24 watt bulbs and 4 panorama pros. So my lights should be enough, opinions?

And I keep all my parms in check and do water changes every Sunday.

Lighting setup sounds good, how far from the lights will you keep the clam?

[sean1986]

That's my thing, I have space on the sand but that's a good two feet or more below my lights, I have space up top about a foot away. But you guys recommend sand for them to place their foot.

[patback]

Some derasas when larger don't have a "foot" at all. More like strings, and even then, my derasa lived for about a year with nothing to attach. My tank crashed due to a lot of neglect and unfortunately I lost it.

[Squamie91]

Sorry about your lost but try a deresa or a squamosa both are relatively hardy I own a squamosa and it's doing well under 16 inches of water on the sand bed under 72 watts of t5 lighting

[sean1986]

Thanks for the replies everyone, Im just now searching for a decently priced, sized and color to pop up now