Wow that was alot of great info! I can't wait to get stronger lighting to get a clam.
Wow that was alot of great info! I can't wait to get stronger lighting to get a clam.
Rep Rep Repto...has it goin on! Yeah.. Nitrates! Clams LOVE nitrates. They can aid in the quality of water by pulling more than actual solids and/or nutrients. They are NITRATE sponges. As a matter of fact, MOST, but not all, clam farms actually PUMP nitrate into the systems with juvi clams in them. I'm sure that that scares the bejezzuz out of some of you purist reefers eh?
Also, as far as positioning goes... It is true that you want the inhalant siphon down, but for a couple reasons. One, of course, having already been mentioned. That is the possible tearing of the byssal port from the sheer weight of the clam pulling upon itself. Keeping the same principle of physics in mind, the second reason is that if positioned upside down (that is with the inhalant siphon upwards) that SAME pressure is exerted upon the clams "guts". SURE... take a peek INSIDE the inhalant siphon. You can easily see their gonads, gills etc. Note the positioning...it is UP there. So, if that same clam is turned upside down, all that force is pressing downward upon its internal organs. How long could YOU last with ME sitting on your chest?
Great write up. I think it could be a START to a good source of information about clams. I'd love to chime in where I can. I just love the darned bivalves!
Dave
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Greg...
Do tell more about the byssal port... if you could. I'm sure people are SICK of hearing from me, but just that one organ/group of organs alone are amazing! The way the clam uses secretions to anchor itself etc.
For what it's worth, I had nasty cleaner shrimp that dined on byssal threads like pasta. They became fishing bait :D
Also, did you know that Gigas, the larger of the "aquarium kept" clams actually loses it's byssal function? The sheer weight of the shellfish alone is enough to keep it right side up, and happy as a clam in the sand. Of course, they have to attain some "girth" before they can do that. So, as juvis, they still "do the byssal thang" and lose the need and ability to do so much later in life..
In any case... I love clams! In tanks, in rolls with tartar sauce
Dave
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Okay guys I want an education. I would really like a clam. And this is something I am not willing to buy on impulse and just figure it out along the way. I have ordered the book Giant Clams from my school
~Amanda~
It is really nice to see you here in this thread. While your online how about you go over to the TOTM thread and enter or vote. It will only take a minute
not an expert here but i have been told the paler in color the less light it requires...
I also have a question, I bought a tridacna maxima clam. He's beautiful and doing well. A little on the small side of things but that's what you get for mail order. I target feed him every three days with different types of stuff. The thing is I have placed him on my rock all over the tank. I will watch him and he pitches himself off the rock and back onto the sand after about two hours nomatter where I put him. There is some rubble in the sand that he put his foot down on now so should I just leave him or continue to try to get him on the rocks and out of the sand? It isn't the current because it doesn't happen until he does something for him to move. He also moves himself around in my sand. Anyone ever hear of a wandering clam?
When you make a mistake look for the lesson to be learned and try not to repeat it.
dsfdbutterfly, my clam I placed in the sand, and I know many people that prefer to have them on sand. A local guy thats on his 5th clam ( 3 of his he's had for 2 years+) he says he thinks they prefer the sand. Mine hasn't moved but he is pretty big, it could be part of its age.
55 Gallon. One year old, and looking SUPER.
butterfly, just keep an eye on him as long as his mantle is extended and he looks happy (as a clam!!) he should be allright.
Attachment 1423
my clam... who can identify?? i know but do you ??
If I had to guess without a good look at the shell I would say it's a Crocea. If you check out my gallery you will see my 2 Crocea sitting in half a clam shell in the sand bed. It's been funny to see them turn themslves around in it to a position of there liking. The Squamosa sits in the sand with the LR extending out under the sand for it to attach too.
55 gl. 2-175 10K MH's, 2-54 HO's, fuge,CS5-2 Skimmer, 2-1200 mj's, 1-600 mj,Red Sea Wavemaster. 9.5 Mag Drive.