Easiest clam

I think the derasa's are the easiest. I would go with a specimen that is at least 3". I'm not familiar with the lighting system and the size tank, so I'm unsure as to whether a clam will thrive.

Upon further review, the derasa should thrive in your tank and is a great starter clam.

Agreed...T. derasa is the best beginner clam.  Keep it on the sandbed, as this species doesn't attach to the rockwork, but relies on size and weight to hold it in place on the substrate.

I can't speak to your lightng, altho T. derasa is one of the least light-hungry of the Tridacnids.  One thing I would consider is feeding the clam live phyto a couple of times a week rather than leaving everything up to photosynthesis alone.  Clams have a fully-developed digestive system, and appreciate regular feedings.  Try not to use Nannochloropsis  as the cells have a thick, tuff wall that isn't digested by most organisms.  Isochrysis and Tetraselmis are much better and have better nutritional profiles to boot.

One thing i CAN offer is regarding clams and flow...they don't require, or do well when being blown around.  Anything more than an occasional gentle lifting of the mantle will likely result in poor mantle extension and stress.  So be sure the clam is placed in a "gentle flow" area of the substrate.

I have heard some people take their Derasa or Gigas out of the tank a couple/few times a week to spend 30 minutes in a bucket filled with phyto.

Good idea or bad idea?

Ooh..... I want a clam now... but I'm scared that I won't be able to keep them alive. Specially with my lights and my clumsy-ness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deton8it 

I went ahead and bought a Derasa today.

Yeah...I'd believe you if there was a picture

They look  very nice  :)

Nice! 

Very nice looking.  That clam looks a lot like a Squamosa, it's beautiful.

Looks awesome! I like it alot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bang Guy 

I have heard some people take their Derasa or Gigas out of the tank a couple/few times a week to spend 30 minutes in a bucket filled with phyto.

 

Good idea or bad idea?

You can do that, altho generally speaking folks usually do that with baby clams (<3") to make sure they grow.  It was once thought that babies don't have the mantle mass to live off of photosynthesis, but it's not true, providing they have good lighting.  However, IMHO, since the critters have fully-developed digestive systems, they should be fed.

I'm going to attempt to spot feed the clam this week. With the turkey baster, do I spray in the hole or on the snout looking thing?

Look for better answers from a couple of the Clam experts we have but my understanding is that squirting food directly at a Clam can clog the gills and the Clam will just expell the whole mess and not derive any nutrition.  I've always heard to just add the phyto to the tank and the Clam will get it.