Clam

BRS
Top Shelf Aquatics

nautical_nathaniel

Indecision may or may not be my problem.
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
4,881
Reaction score
12,258
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
What kind of clam do you want?

What sort of lighting, filtration, and automation systems do you have?
 

KrisReef

7500 Club Member
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
May 15, 2018
Messages
8,555
Reaction score
21,912
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
ADX Florence
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
20 gallons is a good nursery tank for 1 clam if the system has stable calcium and Kh parameters, high lighting and plenty on nutrients or planktonic input.

Generally clams will outgrow a 20 gallon if they survive in them
 
BRS
OP
OP
TheOneWhoIsThere

TheOneWhoIsThere

Community Member
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
58
Reaction score
42
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
What kind of clam do you want?

What sort of lighting, filtration, and automation systems do you have?
Probably a Squamosa, For lights I have a AI prime. I don’t have any automation (unless light sunset and sunrise counts). My filter is just the one on the back of the Cubey 20gal. I have a 425gph powerhead.
 

nautical_nathaniel

Indecision may or may not be my problem.
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
4,881
Reaction score
12,258
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Probably a Squamosa, For lights I have a AI prime. I don’t have any automation (unless light sunset and sunrise counts). My filter is just the one on the back of the Cubey 20gal. I have a 425gph powerhead.
Do you have an ATO?
 

VSVP bet

Well-Known Member
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Mar 29, 2016
Messages
901
Reaction score
1,429
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Antarctica
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Send pics of your system. Clams like the derasa and squamosa are hearty, but in an improper system, they will not survive. If given the right conditions, a clam can out grow a 20gal fairly quickly. The key to a clam is stability, they need stable parameters (ca, alk, mg) as well as salinity (which can fluctuate in a small system). Further, they filter feed, and without nutrients, they do not do well. In a smaller tank, you instinct may be to get a small clam, however, any clam under 3 inches really needs an abundance of nutrients of which to feed on. Without this, the clam will likely not survive. In a small system, this could prove problematic. You may find yourself feeding the clam phyto or any type of small particulate food, but then you may have elevated nitrates due to feeding.

However, if you have adequate filtration, you would likely be ok. I would personally get one in a larger system, but anything is possible. Just know what youre getting yourself into before you purchase a clam. There are a lot of success and horror stories with clams.

EDIT: - here is vid that gives you a look at what type of system contains healthy clams. They do not like blasting flow, but enough where they can filter feed. Maximas like rocks and higher light, while derasas and squamosas like sand bottoms. (also not my vid, cred goes to the poster)
 
Top Shelf Aquatics

VSVP bet

Well-Known Member
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Mar 29, 2016
Messages
901
Reaction score
1,429
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Antarctica
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
After reading all the responses I don’t think my tank is ready for a clam. It is still fairly new. Also not all the equipment.

Nothing wrong with changing your mind either. Making educated decisions are very important in this hobby. There is a vast wealth of info on this forum, so when you are ready, you will know everything you need.
 

MSB123

Someone out there put something smart here.
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Aug 11, 2017
Messages
3,487
Reaction score
3,429
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Yes, I nwoulkd wait until you have a large system, and your tank has been running for more then a year, and once your have the proper equipment. It would be really helpful if you posted a picture of your tank and system.
 

DSC reef

Coral wasted
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
View Badges
Joined
Jan 8, 2014
Messages
15,914
Reaction score
50,338
Review score
+0 /0 /-0
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
After reading all the responses I don’t think my tank is ready for a clam. It is still fairly new. Also not all the equipment.
Good decision IMO, a mature tank is better. Also, squamosa get large fairly quick so a 20 gallon won't suffice for long.
 
BRS

Polyp polynomial: How many heads do you start with when buying zoas?

  • One head is enough to get started.

    Votes: 27 10.6%
  • 2 to 4 heads.

    Votes: 145 57.1%
  • 5 heads or more.

    Votes: 65 25.6%
  • Full colony.

    Votes: 10 3.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 7 2.8%
TCK Corals
Back
Top