My new clams!

[Reefcherie]

Do you know what proportion of Reefchili is phytoplankton? From what I understand, the phyto is the only element in Reefchili that Tridacnid clams are likely to utilize, so I would like to share my concern that in a 125-gallon tank, there may not be a high enough concentration of phyto available to these young clams.

While their mantles (especially for the two smallest) are so tiny, they will have little surface area available for photosynthesis, so they are relying much more heavily on direct feeding at this size than they will once they've grown past 3".

[sundance1]

When I feed them,I mix the enough of the food for a 140 gallon tank.I place the clams in a small bowl with the water about 1" over the mantle and feed them in the bowl.After about 20 min. I place the clams back in the tank and feed the tank what's left in the bowl.

[Reefcherie]

Thanks for explaining further. I misunderstood your intention and thought your announcement meant you had abandoned the idea of bowl feeding. If the proportion of phytoplankton in the Reefchili is high enough, and it is in a form that the young clams can utilize, this could work. I am unfamiliar w/ how well clams utilize spray-dried phytoplankton.... as I've only used home created phyto in its fresh, liquid form.

With the Reefchili in a bowl, can you see a visible difference in the appearance of the water from the time you place the clams in it until you take them out? I always found it reassuring to see that the green tinged water became noticeably clearer as the clams fed.

[sundance1]

Yes,after the 20 min. in the bowl,the water is much clearer(but not TOTALLY clear)than it was when I first put it in.I can see the water moving quite a bit from the clams feeding while they are in the bowl.

[Barry N.]

I'd go with 3 times a week if they were mine until they are a little bigger. They don't have large enough mantles yet to meet their food requirements through photosynthesis. Once they hit about 3" feeding really isn't necessary w/ good lighting like yours.

I agree.

IMO, we like to use a live phyto. Phyto-Feast or DT's.

Another thing I would like to add. Maximas and croceas grow the slowest of all the Tridacnids

In our experience the Tridacna maxima is the hardest to keep under 2.5" Tridacna derasa is by far the easiest to keep.

[CrazyLionfish]

Do you have to bowl feed them? Mine is over 4 inches and I was under the impression that if they're over 3 inches you can just feed the tank instead of target feeding.

[Reefcherie]

Originally posted by CrazyLionfish
Do you have to bowl feed them? Mine is over 4 inches and I was under the impression that if they're over 3 inches you can just feed the tank instead of target feeding.

No, you don't need to bowl feed them at that size! With proper lighting, a Tridacnid clam over 3" no longer needs target feeding at all. Their mantle has reached sufficient size/surface area that they are able to meet their needs w/ photosynthesis. That isn't to say that they might not still benefit from phytoplankton feeding within the tank.

[sundance1]

[sundance1]

OK,here is this weeks pic! The date on my camer is wrong,I took this pic thismorning 02/14/2006.

[sundance1]

The clams all seem to be doing well.A little new growth can be seen on all three of them.I am bowl feeding "reef chili" every other day.

[anglecoral]

Originally posted by Reefcherie
Do you know what proportion of Reefchili is phytoplankton? From what I understand, the phyto is the only element in Reefchili that Tridacnid clams are likely to utilize, so I would like to share my concern that in a 125-gallon tank, there may not be a high enough concentration of phyto available to these young clams.

While their mantles (especially for the two smallest) are so tiny, they will have little surface area available for photosynthesis, so they are relying much more heavily on direct feeding at this size than they will once they've grown past 3".

actually the clams will prolly also utilize the Artemia nauplii replacement diet. it is the same size as the phyto and contains way more nutrition than even gut loaded phyto.

[AngelReefer]

Nice clams

[sundance1]

Here's this weeks pics(a day late)I had court for work yesterday.I quit bowl feeding the Squammy and the Derasa,I will continue to bowl feed the Maxima till it grows some more.

[sundance1]

These guys are still going great! Been really busy and haven't had much time lately to take pics,here's some new pics!

[JmLee]

i bought a 2inch blue maxima about 3 months ago and i dont feed him directly. I dose my tank very lightly about 1-2 times a week with DT phytoplankton and hes growing like crazy.

[Snprhed]

Anybody know what became of the lawsuit of DT's against Phyto?

[alien9168]

Nice clams!

I like your squamosa.

-alien

[Snarkys]

any updates ? still feeding them ?

[sundance1]

Yeah,still feeding the reef chili.they are doing fine and are growing.The Maxima is growing slowly though.I been really busy working OT and fishing,but I'll try to get some pics up tomarrow.

[sundance1]

Here's some updated pics,still feeding ONLY on reefchili and my lighting.

[Snarkys]

they look fantastic

[hairymushroom]

awesome squamie , makes me feel jealous

[Snarkys]

So do you think the Reef Chili worked pretty well for feeding the smaller clams ?

[sundance1]

I think it is working fine,the maxima is growing slowly though.The Squammy and the Derasa are growing at a good rate though.

[Kaykay55]

Very Nice !!