want a claim, yes or no

[nycbob]

Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid
http:///forum/post/3213563
That is the main reason I don't want a derasa because I only have a 20 gal tank it wont be happy when there is more clam then water. So jackri you also have allot of evaporation then must not be a problem for your clam?
it does take a while for a derasa to outgrow ur tank.

 

[mr. limpid]

Ok, so if I get Derasa how long do I have b4 I need to up grade? My idea is to up grade too a 90gal. but not for awhile. Also a Derasa needs a sand bed or can it sit in half shell with sand?

 

[jackri]

I have an auto top off for my evaporated water. You do want an open top for gas exchange but you don't want much of a swing in your salinity. I have a 100g in my main tank system and frag tank system. The main tank with the auto top off and I manually add a gallon here or there on my frag tank. That gallon really doesn't throw any measurements off though when we're taking 100g or 1%. 1 gallon to a 20g system is different however as then you can get a 5% swing.
Derasas can reach a foot in a couple of years under ideal growing conditions. I've had mine a year and a half and it's grown maybe 3"? But at the same time my calcium and alk have been low most of that time until recently.
I also keep all 3 of my clams in the sand bed so i can move them freely as needed. If they attach themselves to rockwork they may grab hold and you run the risk of injuring/killing them if you ever need to remove them from the rock work. My .02 on that.

 

[mr. limpid]

Thanks, jackri, so its no on maxima until better lights and no on derasa until bigger tank.
Thanks BTLDeef, let me know when you have a maxima for sale uner you PC lights, I rather buy one that was raised under PC lights then from LFS under MH.

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid
http:///forum/post/3213556
Thanks to all for the great response. I think I will wait till I get the T5's lights. I rather wait then take another life, one thing I learned in this hobby is patience and has the right equipment.
One more thing BTLDeef you said "water parameters, they MUST remain consistent" mine do except salt levels. I top of about 1/2 to 3/4 quarts twice a day, range between 1.025 to 1.029. I have no top on tank for maximum light to coral. Is this problem for clams?
you should invest in an auto top off if you're adding that much each day and have a swing like that in your SG. They're very easy to make on your own if you're up to it and want to save some money.
As for water conditions, clams as well as all inverts do not like large swings in salinity. Yes, a clam can survive w/ Ca levels as low as 280ppm, but you're trying to keep one under power compacts, this is when higher Ca levels help and become important. Since the lighting isn't as strong, the clam is already at a slight disadvantage, one that MUST be made up for w/ pristine water.
Almost all clams will eventually outgrow a nano. My maximas usually grow 2-4 inches a year when everything is perfect. I purchase them very small, the ones people are usually afraid of because of the higher level of care. They're cheaper this way and I can make a larger profit when I sell one. The one I'm working on now will probably be going in the 155 in about 6 months since we don't have any in there.
Derasa clams require a little less light than Maximas do. They also prefer the sand bed.
I've never tried Croceas, the LFSs around here usually don't have them.

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid
http:///forum/post/3213673
Thanks, jackri, so its no on maxima until better lights and no on derasa until bigger tank.
Thanks BTLDeef, let me know when you have a maxima for sale uner you PC lights, I rather buy one that was raised under PC lights then from LFS under MH.
Derasas have always grown at about the same rate as the maximas.
I am just starting to get back into raising them. The 155 build was taking up so much time/money. Also haven't found little ones w/ nice colorations or that are healthy.
I'd sell you one, but I live in NY, you wouldn't want to pay the shipping, let alone what a healthy PC raised clam goes for around here, lol.

 

[mr. limpid]

Thanks BTLDreef for all your insight, you are right I can hardly afford the prices in Illinois on fish. I am going to wait on the clam until I get better lights and bigger tank. Besides I'm working on filling my FOWLR tank with fish right now.

 

[btldreef]

Sounds good.
What lights are you looking at?