First clam: a couple of questions

[Bacon and Eggs]

Maxima clam, purchased from lfs today. It was in about 250 par at the store. I haven’t measured par in my tank yet. I have three AP9Xs about 10 inches from the surface using the default tuna blue settings.

1. The clam is about 6-8 “ below the surface. I assume this par is a bit higher than 250, but anyone care a guess? Probably fine or too much too quick?

2. What are the chances this thing moves and falls off the scape? If it falls off forward it’ll probably scratch the glass which concerns me.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

250 par should be fine.... its definitely not too much, in nature they can take more than 1000+ par. Just always keep on eye for new white shell growth.

It might be the picture angle but it seems to be close to the edge of a ledge. If it moves it will move in the beginning to orient itself to the light and flow, then it will stay put. Keep an eye on it for the next few days. Good luck

 

[Bacon and Eggs]

Thanks

Sounds good. I’m sure my par is probably a good bit higher than that in that position. 250 is what it was in at the lfs. I haven’t checked pars in my 9 month old tank yet.

I moved it a few cm back from that ledge. Didn’t change overnight. I’ll keep an eye on it.

 

[chip shop]

Mine love oyster feast mixed with mashed up mysis

 

[shakacuz]

you sure you want it on that rock, rather than on a cradle or smaller piece of rock so you can move it in the event any issues or changes occur? once the foot is anchored it'll be tricky to remove unless you know how to navigate yourself through the byssal threads.

overall, the placement is good. 250 is ideally the minimum it needs, and can definitely handle higher PAR. make sure to broadcast feed copepods, phyto and similar foods (reef nutrition has many good options) as supplemental food outside of light

 

[Dburr1014]

Agreed with a clam hammock.

Clams don't need to be fed as long as the light is good. And the light should be good.

 

[Bacon and Eggs]

Thanks guys. I’m already replenishing copepods and phytoplankton for other reasons. I haven’t had to do much with dKH or calcium at this point other than a monthly water change. I guess I’ll probably start doing more testing there. This is I guess wild caught clam based on its size. I’m fairly astute about researching things, but I’m always a bit concerned about the survival of a new pet. I didn’t see any pyramids and it seems to be behaving normally, so fingers crossed.

 

[Bacon and Eggs]

you sure you want it on that rock, rather than on a cradle or smaller piece of rock so you can move it in the event any issues or changes occur? once the foot is anchored it'll be tricky to remove unless you know how to navigate yourself through the byssal threads.

overall, the placement is good. 250 is ideally the minimum it needs, and can definitely handle higher PAR. make sure to broadcast feed copepods, phyto and similar foods (reef nutrition has many good options) as supplemental food outside of light

That’s a good point. I did move it already from the pic, but I think I’ll just let it ride at this point. Hopefully I don’t regret that risk.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Maxima clam, purchased from lfs today. It was in about 250 par at the store. I haven’t measured par in my tank yet. I have three AP9Xs about 10 inches from the surface using the default tuna blue settings.

1. The clam is about 6-8 “ below the surface. I assume this par is a bit higher than 250, but anyone care a guess? Probably fine or too much too quick?

2. What are the chances this thing moves and falls off the scape? If it falls off forward it’ll probably scratch the glass which concerns me.

Clams dont have much issues unless something is off with the water quality as they can be sensitive with change. Dont allow ammonia or nitrates levels to build up by developing a schedule of 20% water changes per week. Add occasional trace elements which helps the clam's survival.
Changes in temperature, oxygen, pH, and alk can make your clam diminish as will lack of light needed for photosynthesis within their mantle and without proper light, most clams will starve.
A few numbers to keep in mind with them (ranges) :
Temperature not to exceed 80
Ca not to exceed 450-475
Ph not to exceed 8.3
Alk not to exceed 11
Salinity best at 1.025
Nitrate not to exceed 80
Moderate water flow
Good lighting

These are ranges and not absolute. There are many types of clams, and not all require the same lighting needs. It’s a myth that all clams need intense lighting. My favorite clam species are crocea and maxima clams for ease of care but they also require more light.