Clam Info

AndreT

AndreT

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Hey Guys,

My birthday is coming up in August and my wife was prodding me about what I want for my b-day. So I said an electric blue clam would be nice. I showed her a small one at the LFS so she knows which one I want. Just in case I get it a couple of questions...

1) What should one look out for in terms of signs of health/unhealth when purchasing?

2) Any special reccommendations for acclimatization?

3) Does it need to be target fed?

4) Some people recomend putting it on a slate/rock so that substrate worms can't get to it. Is it necessary?

5) Can I put it in mild, direct but alternating flow?

Thanks guys.
 
I wish my bird would give me a little clam for my birthday..

But seriously, ratehr go with her to choose it, after keeping marine livestock successfully, you will be able to see a sick clam instantaneously.

Make sure the clam is nicely open, without the mantles being over extended, and look out for tears. The feeding "mouth" should also be open but not over extended. Make sure there are no odd hitchhikers on the shell, which could mulitply in your display.
 
Thanks for the info Dober. Scuse my ignorance but what are tears?

I think it's a good idea if I go with her.
 
A tear, as in a rip in the flesh.

Clams like low flow galibore, so keep him on the floor of the tank.
 
Watch for gaping on the clam as well.

They are very sensitive to changes in ph so ensure you take your time and acclimatize it properly, I would recommend over a couple of hours.

You don't need to target feed them.

They do like to be on a flattish piece of rock so that they can attach to it by means of their "some thing I can't think of the name of right now :lol:"

Once you have placed it in the tank, leave it alone, they do not like to be continuously moved around.
 
And they need a stable level of calcium in order to grow.
 
byssal or bysal gland, that's the name of the thing they use to attach themselves to the rocks. ;)


That is why you should not attempt to move them once they have settled in the tank as you could tear this gland and damage the clam causing it to die, so decide where you want him before you put him in the tank and once in, leave him alone.
 
O tear, pronounced Tare...lol. Sorry I read Tear as in teardrop...lol I'm a dumbass.

Thanks, yes I have a nice spot of low flow to put it.
 
Thanks Viper,

I don't think stable Ca should be a problem. Think I'm gonna start looking for a flat piece of LR.

Cheers
 
Gali, i'd rather glue him to a piece of terracotta tile, and push a little substrate over this to cover it up. At least this way you can level him nicely.
 
No dude, clams move around, mine occasionally adjust themselves by moving left or right.
 
Thats because the clam is looking for the most light, and in your case Dean, it depends on which way the forests of algae are swaying...
 
:lol:

What about just putting him on a tile without glueing?
 
He will attach his foot to there himself, so that'll be fine.
 
in my case ive got my calms on flat pieces of rock placed on the substrate.i found that it did that they do turn to get the best lighting possible.once settled they will not move
 
Also depends on what clam you looking at, the squamosa can go on the bottom but something like the crocea like being high up on the rock work very close to lights.
 
i mad a little "cup" of reef putty and let my clam attach himself to this. this way he is protected from substrate worms and the like.
 
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