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Information at
your Fingertips |
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About
Tridacna Clams
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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"Best
Pick"
Blue Maxima's
These are
the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week
Description: Today, Maxima clams
are among the most popular for their electric coloration and
interesting patterns. Some
of the Maxima clams we bring in get chosen as "Pick of
the Litter" because they have that extra something,
they are extremely beautiful specimens in a sea of beautiful
specimens. They are the best of the best..
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 |
Starting at $69.99
|
"Best
Pick"
Gold Maxima's
These are
the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week
Description: Today, Maxima clams
are among the most popular for their electric coloration and
interesting patterns. Some
of the Maxima clams we bring in get chosen as "Pick of
the Litter" because they have that extra something,
they are extremely beautiful specimens in a sea of beautiful
specimens. They are the best of the best..
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 |
Starting at $69.99
|
"Best
Pick"
Green Maxima's
These are
the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week
Description: Today, Maxima clams
are among the most popular for their electric coloration and
interesting patterns. Some
of the Maxima clams we bring in get chosen as "Pick of
the Litter" because they have that extra something,
they are extremely beautiful specimens in a sea of beautiful
specimens. They are the best of the best..
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 |
Starting at $89.99
|
Marshall
Island
Farmed Blue Maxima's
Description: Marshall Island Farmed
Blue Maximas come from clam farms outside Hawaii in the Marshall
Islands and are carefully monitored for over a year before selected
and shipped to us. They 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 |
Starting at $39.99
|
"Best
Pick"
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.
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 |
Starting at $129.99
|
"Best
Pick"
Crocea Clams
These are
the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week
Description:The T. crocea clam is one of the most
attractive clams and is easily confused with T. maxima. Some of the Croceq clams
we bring in get chosen as "Pick of the Litter" because
they have that extra something, they are extremely beautiful
specimens in a sea of beautiful specimens. They are the best
of the best..
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 |
Starting at $69.99
|
Marshall Island
Farmed Gold Maxima's
Description:
Marshall Island Farmed Gold Maximas come from clam farms outside
Hawaii in the Marshall Islands and are carefully monitored for
over a year before selected and shipped to us. They 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 |
Starting at $39.99
|
"Golden"
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.
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 |
Starting at $59.99
|
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.
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 |
Starting at $59.99
|
Tiger Deresa Clam
Description: Derasa clams continue to grow in popularity
for both their ease of care and fast growth. 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.
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.
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 |
Starting at $34.99
|
Tridacna 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 |
Starting at $49.99
|
Ultra
Crocea Clams
These Beautiful
Croceas!
Incredible looking, no two are 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. 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 |
Starting at $39.99
|
Tridacna Hippopus
Description: Also called the called Horse's Hoof, Bear Paw, or
China Clam or Strawberry Clam. It can grow to a sixteen inch
shell width. The mantle is fairly plain either green or brown
tones with many fine white lines on the surface. With a very
thick and heavy shell.
Natural Environment:Malay Peninsula to Australia, out to
Micronesia and Tonga. Found in shallows on the reef flats and
patch reefs.
Hardiness:
It is a hardy
clam and easily acclimated to your tank. If you are lucky enough
to add this clam to your collection, place it in the upper third
of your tank
Lighting: Hippopus is one of the
more light tolerant clams.
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.
**Advanced Aquarist Species |
Starting at $39.99
|
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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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