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Information at
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Clam
Info
Why Keep Tridacnid
Clams?
- Aside from being some of the most intriguing of all reef aquarium
species, tridacnid clams actually provide a range of benefits
well beyond their beauty and novelty. Clams are filter feeders,
meaning that they help marine aquariums maintain high water quality
by absorbing nitrates, ammonia and other organics that are harmful
to sensitive reef tank inhabitants even in very low concentrations.
Beside that, few if any reef aquarium species have the wide range
of vibrant colors that the giant clam species offer as well as
the "oooh" factor from non-reef aquarium hobbyists.
Keeping giant clams healthy and growing in a reef aquarium
requires a similar system of care to that of SPS corals. Bright
lighting such as that provided by metal halide aquarium lights
is an absolute necessity, in that most clams generate energy
by photosynthesis as well as by filter feeding. Moderate to high
water flow will ensure that clams receive an ample supply of
water to continually feed on. High levels of calcium provided
by calcium reactors or daily dosing, will help clams to develop
thick and healthy shells and to grow rapidly.
Clams are relatively slow growing reef aquarium inhabitants,
a trait that is actually considered a positive feature by most
advanced reef tank hobbyists. Clams do not encroach on other
reef tank species in the way that often corals do, and offer
peace of mind as well as beauty for their keepers. |
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Wild Ultra Blue
Maxima's
Description: Today, Maxima clams
are among the most popular for their electric coloration and
interesting patterns.Some
Maxima clams are subcategorized by the characteristics of their
markings and are referred to as Ultra Maxima clams (for their
extremely electric blue and purple colors). T. maxima exhibit
a wide range of beautiful colors and patterns in their mantles.
Maximum size is approximately 14".
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where
they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble)
attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes
found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness:
T. maxima
is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks
given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to
moderate water flow.
Lighting:
Requires
fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact
depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending
upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal
reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth
as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate
in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.
Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate
it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(3/4 - 1")
$39.99 ( 11/4 - 2" ) $59.99
(21/4 - 3")
sold out (31/4 - 4") sold
out
(41/4 - 5") sold
out |
Aquacultured
Blue Maxima's
Description: Aquacultured Blue Maximas
come from clam farms in Indonesia and are carefully monitored
for over a year before selected and shipped to the USA. Like
their wild counterparts, the also exhibit a wide range of beautiful
colors and patterns.
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where
they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble)
attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes
found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness:
T. maxima
is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks
given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to
moderate water flow.
Lighting:
Requires
fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact
depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending
upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal
reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth
as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate
in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.
Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate
it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(3/4 - 1")
$39.99 ( 11/4 - 2" ) $59.99 |
Aquacultured
Gold Maxima's
Description:
Aquacultured Gold Maximas come from clam farms in Indonesia and
are carefully monitored for over a year before selected and shipped
to the USA. Like their wild counterparts, the also exhibit a
wide range of beautiful colors and patterns.
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where
they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble)
attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes
found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness:
T. maxima
is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks
given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to
moderate water flow.
Lighting:
Requires
fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact
depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending
upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal
reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth
as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate
in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.
Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate
it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(up to 2") $29.99 (21/4
- 3") $49.99
(31/4 - 4")
$79.9
(41/4 - 5") $109.99 |
Beautiful Vietnam
Teardrop Maxima's
Description:Teardrop Maxima's name
comes from the teardrop-shaped markings on their mantles. For
a long time good ones were hard to find. Now we have a new exclusive
source for the most beautiful, Teardrop Maxima clams. They are
being collected in a region close to the equator where the colors
are the most brilliant in a large atoll in the middle of the
Pacific. Maximum size is approximately 14".
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where
they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble)
attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes
found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness:
T. maxima
is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks
given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to
moderate water flow.
Lighting:
Requires
fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact
depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending
upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal
reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth
as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate
in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.
Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate
it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(up to 2") $49.99 (21/4
- 3") $79.99
(31/4 - 4")
$119.9
(41/4 - 5") $149.99 |
Giant
Gigas Clam
Description: The T. gigas clam is the largest of
the clams kept in reef tanks. They are actually the largest clams
in the wild as well. They have large, smooth, heavy ribbed (4
or 5 ribs) shells without scutes. The mantle is usually a golden
brown, yellow or olive green with numerous iridescent blue or
green spots, particularly around the edges. Maximum size is over
3 feet.Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in fairly deep water locations (30-60 feet)
Hardiness:
T. gigas is a hardy clam
which does well in reef tanks given good water conditions and
the room to grow. It is the fastest growing clam and can easily
outgrown its tank.
Lighting: Moderate to relatively high lighting
is suitable. T. gigas does not really like the most intense lighting
conditions that suit some clams and should be carefully acclimated
to higher lighting conditions such as metal halides.
Water Current:
Low water currents are preferred.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef
tank temperature ranges of 75-82°F.
Feeding:
Primarily photosynthetic.
They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not
required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium levels (400-450
ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity
levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom
of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
Sold Out |
Aquacultured
Blue Rimmed
Tiger Deresa
Description: Aquacultured Derasa
clams continue to grow in popularity for both their ease of care
and fast growth. A popular coloration of Derasa clams is known
as the "Blue Rim Derasa", in which only the very edge
of the clam's mantle is a shockingly bright blue color. Tridacna
deresa can attain a length of over 10 inches. A quite hardy clam,
the Deresa is the most adaptable of all clams to changing conditions,
especially lower light instances. For maximum growth and health,
they like soft to moderate currents, and water parameters that
remain very stable. Ideally the Deresa likes to attach to sand.
Natural Environment: captive bred.
Hardiness:
T. derasa
is a very hardy species and a good clam for the beginning hobbyist,
provided reasonably strong lighting, clear water conditions and
stable salinity is provided.
Lighting: Moderate to Intense
lighting can be used with these clams although they seem to due
better with lighting on the brighter end of the scale. Being
shallow water species, they may do best with lower Kelvin lighting
(6K to 10K).
Water Current: Low to moderate. Although
they come from low water current areas in nature, they seem to
tolerate moderate water flow well.
Temperature:
Does well
within normal reef tank temperature ranges of at least 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (400-450 ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining
good alkalinity levels.Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the
tank in a low to moderate water flow area if intense lighting
is provided. Otherwise position higher up in the tank in a secure
location where it is not in danger of falling..
**Advanced Aquarist
Species |
(11/2-2") $29.99 (21/2-31/2") $39.99
(41/2 - 51/2") $69.99 (7
- 9") $149.99 |
Electric Crocea
Clams
Incredible
looking. No two look alike!
Description:The T. crocea clam is one of the most
attractive clams and is easily confused with T. maxima. Color
can be beautiful combinations of blue, purple, yellow, green,
gold or orange in various patterns. In the wild, the Crocea Clams
often live together in great congregations. It is the smallest
of the 'giant' clams and reaches a maximum length of 6-9".
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in shallow areas near shore where they burrow themselves
into the substrate and coral heads. Only the top of the shell
and mantle are visible once embedded.
Hardiness:T. crocea is a hardy clam as long as
water parameters and adequate lighting is provided. Adequate
lighting is key to keeping these clams healthy.
Lighting:
MH lighting is preferred.
Since Crocea are shallow water species, Intense lighting is required.
They do best with lower Kelvin lighting (6K - 10K)
Water Current:
Moderate to high (but not
direct) water currents suit it well.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef
tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily or totally photosynthetic.
They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not
necessary to feed them
Supplements:
Proper calcium levels (400-450
ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity
levels.
Tank Positioning: Can be positioned on the substrate in
the bottom of the tank in a moderate water flow area if intense
lighting is provided. Otherwise if lighting is marginal, position
higher up in the tank in a secure location where it is not in
danger of falling ( or jumping).
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(2-21/2") $39.99
(3 - 31/2") $59.99
(4 - 5") $89.99 |
Green Squamosa
Description:Squamosa clams come in
exciting color varieties with interesting patterns of spots ranging
from brown to blue. Squamosa is known as the Fluted or Scaly
Giant Clam. These names arise due to the beautiful shell . The
mantle of the squamosa can be very variable in coloration and
quite beautiful. Maximum size is approximately 16".
Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific in sheltered
deeper (30-50 feet) waters such as deep water lagoons or reef
walls.
Hardiness:
T. squamosa
is a hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks.
Lighting: T. squamosa is one of
the more light tolerant clams. Requires moderate to intense lighting.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal
reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (400-450 ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining
good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning:
Position
on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate
water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care
is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its
perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(up to 21/2")
$29.99
(3 - 4") $49.99
(41/2 - 51/2")
$69.99 (6 - 7")
$109.99 |
Hippopus
Description: Hippopus is another beautiful clam. The mantle can be very
variable in coloration and quite beautiful.
Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific
Hardiness:
A hardy clam
which usually does well in reef tanks.
Lighting: Hippopus is one of the
more light tolerant clams. Requires moderate to intense lighting.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal
reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding:
Primarily
photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton,
but it is not required.
Supplements:
Proper calcium
levels (400-450 ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining
good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning:
Position
on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate
water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care
is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its
perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
(up to 2") $19.99 (21/2
- 31/2")
$34.99 |
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**Advanced Aquarist
Species: We guarantee that
ALL aquariam species offered will arrive alive and in good condition.
However, because of the increased level of care required for
this particular species, it has been designated as "Advanced Aquarist Species," and we cannot guarantee it after
arrival. |
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*Due to variations
within each species, your
aquarium specimens may not look identical to the image provided. |
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