*Clam Questions* Appreciate Feedback*

saltwatergal2 · #1 01/14/2007, 08:06 AM

I got my first clam yesterday.
My tank is 57 gal. 24 1/2 inches high, with two 150 M. H. My Sunpod M.H. also sets up on legs. So it is even higher to the lights. I was told to place him on a rock about half way up the tank. I have put him there three times on a pretty flat rock. I can't move the flat rock to the bottom because it has colt coral growing on the corner of the rock. Everytime he falls to the bottom on the sand. Should I leave him on the sand? He has not totally opened up yet since I just got him yesterday. I tried to wedge him a little into some rockwork but I wasn't sure if he could open all the way without being on a flat surface.
Appreciate Feedback.
Where should I set him?
Thanks.
Judy

a4twenty · #2 01/14/2007, 10:02 AM

what type of clam is it? bury a small rock just below the surface of the sand. place the clam on top and prop him up with some sand. he may turn and move a little but the sand keeps him upright. once he attaches you can move him and the rock around the tank. it probably not a good idea to wedge him into the rocks, he may have a hard time opening.

InLimbo87 · #3 01/14/2007, 12:32 PM

I also bought my first clam (maxima) yesterday, and found that a4twenty's method works the best. Since I don't have a huge sandbed, I just made a nice mound of sand around the rock and set the clam down on it. It's the only way its been standing upright, and hopefully it will foot itself soon. How long does it generally take for a clam to truly attach itself (on average, of course)?

a4twenty · #4 01/14/2007, 03:58 PM

depends on the the clam, there is no exact answer. i've had them attach in few days, other took a week or more. if he's happy it shouldn't be more than a few days. if he's unhappy you'll know because he will keep moving or falling over on his side. just check by gently nudging him, don't pull or twist be very gentle. the byssal gland can be damaged if your to rough with them.

HTH

saltwatergal2 · #5 01/14/2007, 07:55 PM

I Appreciate All Feedbacks.
I lightly put sand on top of the flat rock. Then I put the clam on top of the sand on the rock. He has not moved all day. The clam is situated about half way up from the top of the tank. He is even opening up about half way. I think he likes his new location.
I found out that he is a Croces Clam.
I believe the clam is filter fed. I bought some marine snow which the store told me to feed my corals and my clam once a week. I also feed my reef fish PEMYSIS Shrimp once a day.
Does that sound about right?
Appreciate Feedback.
Thanks
Judy

Jayreefer · #6 01/14/2007, 11:30 PM

Clams live off of light when they get over 3" I believe.

saltwatergal2 · #7 01/14/2007, 11:55 PM

This one is about 4 inches.
Well he is asleep for the night.
Thanks For The Feedbacks.
Judy

a4twenty · #8 01/15/2007, 07:40 AM

clams don't need supplemental feeding but it doesn't hurt, i use phytoplankton. it is good for you pod population too

can you post a pic Judy?

saltwatergal2 · #9 01/15/2007, 09:19 PM

Here is a photo of my "Croces Clam."
It is more colorful brown with blue. I need a new camera.
Gives you an idea.
Thanks for asking.
Judy

a4twenty · #10 01/16/2007, 08:31 AM

wow, nice looking clam. it's probably not your camera, to get a good representative of the color try turning your pumps off and taking the picture from above.