CLAM CARE REQUIREMENTS

[maimz]

the title says it all..what is needed to keep one of these neat looking clams!!! someone fill me in cuz i think they are so cool looking!!!

[canadawest]

I am by no means a clam expert, but in my research and experience you need the following:


Clean water (aka good stable water parameters)
Intense lighting
No predators


The first point is pretty much fixed. You need an established tank (6+ months), with stable water parameters and regular maintenance.

The second point is very important. Clams rely almost entirely on light to produce the food they need to survive. The intensity of light you require depends on the type of clam you wish to keep. T. Derasa clams are the least light dependant, and can be sucessfully kept under VHO lighting, although some claim sucess under several regular NO lamps, I wouldn't attempt it. T. Maxima clams are the next level up. They require a minimum of VHO lighting when they are small, but as they grown they need the more intense illumination of MH lamps. T. Crocea are the most light hungry, and can really only be kept successfully under MH lighting.

The last point is also fixed. There are many fish and inverts that think clams are a tasty treat. If you have any of these, don't even think of getting a clam, unless you just like buying really expensive fish and invert food. Do some research to find out which species of fish or inverts should be avoided with clams.

I have sucessfully kept a T. Maxima under 440W of VHO lighting for the past 8 months. It has grown from a tiny 1.5" when I got it, to about 3 inches today, and still has retained it's beautiful bright blue and purple coloring.

Depending on your lighting, I would suggest you start with a T. Derasa clam. Just make sure you leave plenty of room for the new addition as they can grow quite large, up to 8-10" I've seen!