Tips on clams?

Jet Black · 08/08/2013, 11:39 PM

I've always wanted one of the blue maximas but probably going to have to start with something with a lower price tag.

I just put in an order from BRS for Ca, Mg, and Alk. Ill be setting up my doser shortly.
Parameters as of last night, Red Sea kits:
Nitrates, 0
Phosphates, 0
Alk, 5.3
Ca, 370
Mg, 1400
Temp fluctuates between 79 and 84, cant seem to get it to cool off with two large desk fans. Im not sure how the alk stays so low but when I check (10:00pm) its always around 5.5, one of the things I hope to fix with the doser. I will not be adding any clams until I'm sure I have my parameters absolutely stable. So far my SPS trials are doing well and I haven't lost any frags(knock on wood) so something is going right.

I was planning on putting the clam on the sand bed, tanks 16in deep, Jeff's awesome LEDs 2in off the water, so enough light.

My ultimate goal is something like the one at Your Reef I saw a few months ago

What things should I be looking for when buying a clam? What are good prices, derasa, maxima, squamosa,(kinda vague, I know there are a LOT of factors but general guidelines)? Are there any good stores around here that have clams? Your Reef seems to be the only one I know of.

Please point out anything wrong/what I should be doing

GrizFyrFyter · 08/08/2013, 11:49 PM

I'm told they use a lo of Ca, the smaller ones need to be fed more often. Aquarium Depot has some too.

I really want one but I need to get my parameters stable also, bringing my mag up from 900 has reaked havoc with my Ca and Kh.

toky916 · 08/09/2013, 02:17 AM

I have bought a tiny one don't feed still alive till today not to much growth but color got way better than when I got it.

Btw I don't supplement also could be an issue maybe with sps

BJCollie · 08/09/2013, 06:34 AM

I am curious about your Alk. Is 5.3 meq/l or dkh? Neither seem correct, what is your pH?

HV1990 · 08/09/2013, 07:19 AM

Jet first thing I would look at is the foot of the clam if buying small. You are on the correct course by waiting for your parameters to be more consistent. If you do get one I would buy some reef epoxy sticks and make a cradle for the clam this will help secure it and not allow anything to eat the clams foot and destroy the clam.

For your temp it does sound like a chiller may be needed but since we are getting closer to winter you have time to save up. Good luck.

tcoral · 08/09/2013, 07:22 AM

clams use a lot of alk too make sure it's stable. If it is your first clam go durasa or squamosa since they are easier and hardier. Look for a healthy foot. Crocea and Maximas have a larger opening in their shells which can be damaged and can be attacked by worms and stuff. 20 gallons is pretty small though since these clams can get big and suck the alk and ca right out of the water! Croceas are the smaller of the bunch and can come in nice colors too.

Jet Black · 08/09/2013, 12:22 PM

It says 5.3 dKH, Ill test agian to make sure it wasn't a bad test. I don't have a pH test, I couldn't get my Apex to calibrate but it keeps saying mid 7s. Got a few sets of the testing fluid in my order from BRS, if it doesn't work Ill contact Neptune.

By cradle do you mean like smushing epoxy to where its like a rock around the foot? I was really hoping to get by without a chiller, the space, electricity and mostly the pricetag

Going into the 75 Tina

What would a healthy foot look like?

BJCollie · 08/09/2013, 01:44 PM

5.3dKH = ~1.9meq/l

With your Ca at 370 your balance looks good, just need to raise both Alk and Ca a little.

GrizFyrFyter · 08/09/2013, 01:45 PM

Kalkwasser.

I can donate some if you need it.

Jet Black · 08/09/2013, 01:52 PM

Started another batch just a few minutes ago, upping the dosage. I don't know how come it isn't going up, but checked it again and its at 5.6 dKH.

tcoral · 08/09/2013, 02:38 PM

found this again that explains it better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIexBFpjcLw

also, this is good too:

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/153218-a-faq-on-clams/

GrizFyrFyter · 08/09/2013, 02:42 PM

Good stuff.

Jet Black · 08/09/2013, 03:53 PM

Good read Tina thanks. My sand bed is really thin, 1in, bare in the high flow area. Would I not be allowed to keep anything on the sand? I'm assuming that if I did the epoxy covering and placed it in the deepest area it wouldn't need to go any deeper? How do they protect their foot? And how do maximas bury themselves in rock?

tcoral · 08/09/2013, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet Black

Good read Tina thanks. My sand bed is really thin, 1in, bare in the high flow area. Would I not be allowed to keep anything on the sand? I'm assuming that if I did the epoxy covering and placed it in the deepest area it wouldn't need to go any deeper? How do they protect their foot? And how do maximas bury themselves in rock?

I believe that the durasas and that other big clam can go on the sand bed. The others have fibers that come out of that opening that attach to the rock. I think I've read that crocea has something that disolves the rock that they can bore into a rock:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...50&pcatid=1650

here's a discussion of keeping them in substrate, you can put a rock under them but I've tried that and keeping them on the rock when they grow can be an issue (I've had one tear their foot from becoming unbalanced from a smaller rock they outgrew).

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=257796

tcoral · 08/12/2013, 07:43 AM

YR has durasas right now and a not so pretty clam (dark brown) at a good price that's either a crocea or a maxima at a really low price, I think it was $35. It's better to test how a cheap clam does in your tank than a $150 dollar maxima

. It was healthy though (and probably has a great personality, LOL). The smaller durasas I believe were $45. This was before any discounts. I picked up a durasa yesterday.

Jet Black · 08/12/2013, 09:10 AM

Cool thanks for the heads up! I don't think I can get up there anytime soon. What's this talk about discounts?

GrizFyrFyter · 08/12/2013, 09:13 AM

For contributing members. Seems pretty common in the stores around here. Even the store I don't shop at gives member discounts.

I looked at the clams at your reef yesterday. I thought the 2" deresa clams were $35. They were brown and gold with a blue line around the mantel.

jeffm59 · 08/12/2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet Black

Cool thanks for the heads up! I don't think I can get up there anytime soon. What's this talk about discounts?

MARS membership gets you a discount at YR, Aquarium Depot and at Aqua Life -- a few items are not included like sale items and very low margin items (salt)

Just flash that fancy MARS membership card

cota472 · 08/12/2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffm59

MARS membership gets you a discount at YR, Aquarium Depot and at Aqua Life -- a few items are not included like sale items and very low margin items (salt)

Just flash that fancy MARS membership card

Membership card? I do not have a card. Although I do ask about the discount at all LFS I go to and JoJo gave me 10%

jeffm59 · 08/12/2013, 02:39 PM

Ask at the next meeting - we will get you one

Jet Black · 08/12/2013, 09:19 PM

Shoot, I usually forget to do that, my card isn't so flashy.

tcoral · 08/12/2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet Black

Cool thanks for the heads up! I don't think I can get up there anytime soon. What's this talk about discounts?

If you are a member of MARS or other fish clubs, many lfs, give a discount. YR always treats MARS members very well

. If you are going to the picnic, I think Joe is going, he could possibly bring you a clam from there if you wanted one.

tcoral · 08/12/2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cota472

Membership card? I do not have a card. Although I do ask about the discount at all LFS I go to and JoJo gave me 10%

*sigh* when I go to the lfs it's like "Cheers" everybody knows my name, LOL.

08/08/2013, 11:39 PM	#1
Jet Black I finally found this! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 535	Tips on clams? I've always wanted one of the blue maximas but probably going to have to start with something with a lower price tag. I just put in an order from BRS for Ca, Mg, and Alk. Ill be setting up my doser shortly. Parameters as of last night, Red Sea kits: Nitrates, 0 Phosphates, 0 Alk, 5.3 Ca, 370 Mg, 1400 Temp fluctuates between 79 and 84, cant seem to get it to cool off with two large desk fans. Im not sure how the alk stays so low but when I check (10:00pm) its always around 5.5, one of the things I hope to fix with the doser. I will not be adding any clams until I'm sure I have my parameters absolutely stable. So far my SPS trials are doing well and I haven't lost any frags(knock on wood) so something is going right. I was planning on putting the clam on the sand bed, tanks 16in deep, Jeff's awesome LEDs 2in off the water, so enough light. My ultimate goal is something like the one at Your Reef I saw a few months ago What things should I be looking for when buying a clam? What are good prices, derasa, maxima, squamosa,(kinda vague, I know there are a LOT of factors but general guidelines)? Are there any good stores around here that have clams? Your Reef seems to be the only one I know of. Please point out anything wrong/what I should be doing __________________ I love that my school supports us putting up fish tanks. I just wish that I wouldn't get so many questions about the colorful "plant life" and if we're getting a Nemo (we're not ever).

08/09/2013, 07:19 AM	#5
HV1990 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 1,964	Jet first thing I would look at is the foot of the clam if buying small. You are on the correct course by waiting for your parameters to be more consistent. If you do get one I would buy some reef epoxy sticks and make a cradle for the clam this will help secure it and not allow anything to eat the clams foot and destroy the clam. For your temp it does sound like a chiller may be needed but since we are getting closer to winter you have time to save up. Good luck. __________________ 120g AGA Tank, 2 Lumenarc Mini w/ 250w Radiums on select-a-watt ballast 2 t5 actinics. Lighting controlled via Apex Jr controller. Carbon and GFO in TLF reactors, 7 gallon Refugium, Cooling by 8 1 Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed reef tank

08/09/2013, 07:22 AM	#6
tcoral Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 4,893	clams use a lot of alk too make sure it's stable. If it is your first clam go durasa or squamosa since they are easier and hardier. Look for a healthy foot. Crocea and Maximas have a larger opening in their shells which can be damaged and can be attacked by worms and stuff. 20 gallons is pretty small though since these clams can get big and suck the alk and ca right out of the water! Croceas are the smaller of the bunch and can come in nice colors too. __________________ ~ Tina ~ The sound of silence... Current Tank Info: 180 gallon tank- gone to better things

08/09/2013, 12:22 PM	#7
Jet Black I finally found this! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 535	It says 5.3 dKH, Ill test agian to make sure it wasn't a bad test. I don't have a pH test, I couldn't get my Apex to calibrate but it keeps saying mid 7s. Got a few sets of the testing fluid in my order from BRS, if it doesn't work Ill contact Neptune. By cradle do you mean like smushing epoxy to where its like a rock around the foot? I was really hoping to get by without a chiller, the space, electricity and mostly the pricetag Going into the 75 Tina What would a healthy foot look like? __________________ I love that my school supports us putting up fish tanks. I just wish that I wouldn't get so many questions about the colorful "plant life" and if we're getting a Nemo (we're not ever).

08/09/2013, 01:52 PM	#10
Jet Black I finally found this! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 535	Started another batch just a few minutes ago, upping the dosage. I don't know how come it isn't going up, but checked it again and its at 5.6 dKH. __________________ I love that my school supports us putting up fish tanks. I just wish that I wouldn't get so many questions about the colorful "plant life" and if we're getting a Nemo (we're not ever).

08/08/2013, 11:49 PM	#2
GrizFyrFyter Moved On Join Date: May 2013 Location: Sacramento / Arden Posts: 1,154	I'm told they use a lo of Ca, the smaller ones need to be fed more often. Aquarium Depot has some too. I really want one but I need to get my parameters stable also, bringing my mag up from 900 has reaked havoc with my Ca and Kh.

08/09/2013, 02:17 AM	#3
toky916 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,794	I have bought a tiny one don't feed still alive till today not to much growth but color got way better than when I got it. Btw I don't supplement also could be an issue maybe with sps

08/09/2013, 06:34 AM	#4
BJCollie Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Dixon, Ca Posts: 84	I am curious about your Alk. Is 5.3 meq/l or dkh? Neither seem correct, what is your pH?

08/09/2013, 01:44 PM	#8
BJCollie Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Dixon, Ca Posts: 84	5.3dKH = ~1.9meq/l With your Ca at 370 your balance looks good, just need to raise both Alk and Ca a little.

08/09/2013, 01:45 PM	#9
GrizFyrFyter Moved On Join Date: May 2013 Location: Sacramento / Arden Posts: 1,154	Kalkwasser. I can donate some if you need it.

08/09/2013, 02:38 PM	#11
tcoral Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 4,893	found this again that explains it better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIexBFpjcLw also, this is good too: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/153218-a-faq-on-clams/ __________________ ~ Tina ~ The sound of silence... Current Tank Info: 180 gallon tank- gone to better things

08/09/2013, 02:42 PM	#12
GrizFyrFyter Moved On Join Date: May 2013 Location: Sacramento / Arden Posts: 1,154	Good stuff.

08/09/2013, 03:53 PM	#13
Jet Black I finally found this! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 535	Good read Tina thanks. My sand bed is really thin, 1in, bare in the high flow area. Would I not be allowed to keep anything on the sand? I'm assuming that if I did the epoxy covering and placed it in the deepest area it wouldn't need to go any deeper? How do they protect their foot? And how do maximas bury themselves in rock? __________________ I love that my school supports us putting up fish tanks. I just wish that I wouldn't get so many questions about the colorful "plant life" and if we're getting a Nemo (we're not ever).

08/12/2013, 07:43 AM	#15
tcoral Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 4,893	YR has durasas right now and a not so pretty clam (dark brown) at a good price that's either a crocea or a maxima at a really low price, I think it was $35. It's better to test how a cheap clam does in your tank than a $150 dollar maxima . It was healthy though (and probably has a great personality, LOL). The smaller durasas I believe were $45. This was before any discounts. I picked up a durasa yesterday. __________________ ~ Tina ~ The sound of silence... Current Tank Info: 180 gallon tank- gone to better things

08/12/2013, 09:10 AM	#16
Jet Black I finally found this! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 535	Cool thanks for the heads up! I don't think I can get up there anytime soon. What's this talk about discounts? __________________ I love that my school supports us putting up fish tanks. I just wish that I wouldn't get so many questions about the colorful "plant life" and if we're getting a Nemo (we're not ever).

08/12/2013, 02:39 PM	#20
jeffm59 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 656	Ask at the next meeting - we will get you one __________________ Jeff - MARS member

08/12/2013, 09:19 PM	#21
Jet Black I finally found this! Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 535	Shoot, I usually forget to do that, my card isn't so flashy. __________________ I love that my school supports us putting up fish tanks. I just wish that I wouldn't get so many questions about the colorful "plant life" and if we're getting a Nemo (we're not ever).