[Taras1]

I'd like to add a clam to my system but I've gotten a lot of opinions and really want to do what's ok for the animal.

I've decided to stick with aquacultured specimens, but I have a 90 Gal w/T-5 HO (8 X 54w split 50:50 Actinic:10K).

What are my best choices if any?

[kolokefalo]

Taras,

It seems to me Derasa clams are a bit more hardy than Croceas, or Maximas. This just may be my perception. However, it is very very hard to beat the look and pattern you can find on a squamosa.

Just make sure if it isnt already attached to a rock that you place it so the "foot" is on a small rock. Once it attaches you can move it in the aquarium where it opens nicely.

Too closed for a few days its too bright, if it seems to strain to the light move it up a bit.

What fish do you have currently and or inverts? Are they clam nippers?

[Taras1]

Thanks The only problem I see is a juvie Flame Angel. Supposedly, this species is one of the least of the nippers, but still can be a problem. It is pretty good with my red Lobophyllia and Candy Cane corals.

Otherwise, I tried to be careful -- Powder Brown Tang, Scott's Fairy Wrasse, Lawnmower and Bicolor Blennies, Green Chromis and Maroon Clowns w/BTA. A couple of blue leg hermits, 2 serpent stars, a sand sifting star and 2 cleaner shrimp round out my nonsessile inverts.

[Krazy]

Crocea's and Maxima's are the most light demanding of the clams

Deresa's are more forgiving and are also a fast grower, squamosas get HUGE but also do well in lower light situations

with your 8x54 T5's I'd say you'd be fine with even a crocea, start out with a deresa though, make sure you tank is a bit established as well (at least 6 months would be good)

Watch out for blennys as they are known clam nippers, some tangs do too but they are good for the most part, watch out for conch snails, some of them are predatory and eat clams (I know, thats how i lost my very first clam)

I'm not sure if angels bother clams, I have no experience with them other then hearing people get mad that they start nipping corals...

[e_baer]

what about the star fish? i thought a lot of stars eat clams and stuff like that in the wild.

[jimw369]

I would make sure and get a clam at least 3" long. I bought one about 2' long and it lasted a week. Upon further research I learned that a "juvenile clam" does not have enough Zooxanthelae (sp) developed to take advantage of the light you provide and need plankton dosed 2-3 times daily. I think getting something in the 3-4" range would eliminate this situation. Good Luck!