Caring for clams

[stratmaster]

I'm assuming this is the right thread for reef questions. Can anyone tell me about the requirements for caring for a clam? This particular species of clam here:

Derasa Clam

I'm reading they're a good starter clam if your not experienced with them. Would I be able to keep this clam in my refugium on my 180 FOWLR setup? Or could I just keep it in the main tank? Or do I have to have a seperate tank setup and go through the trouble of setting up a reef tank?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[neilanh]

You can keep clams in your main display tank, you'll just need to be aware that some fish like to pick at/eat them, so that'll play into your choices for inhabitants. Clams need a bit of light, so definately don't try to keep them in your sump.

 

[stratmaster]

Yeah but I've heard they need pretty good lighting. Although according to what I've read this species of clam here can get by on just a power compact light. Is this true? Or do I need better? Also I have a good power compact light on my refugium for the macro algae I have so why couldn't I keep the clam in my refugium?

Also don't they require different water parameters then say the way I have my FOWLR setup? I guess they're really basically the same though other than I keep my salinity on the lower side.

Steve

 

[melosu58]

I have VHO lighting and have a derasa clam. Them and squamosa clams need only moderate lighting. I have mine in with the reef.

 

[stratmaster]

So I could get by with a power compact then? And would it be better kept in the main display tank or my refugium housed away from the fish? I went ahead and ordered a nice Green one, actually the exact one I linked here on my thread. Also went ahead and ordered a bubble tip anemone too! I think they'd be better kept in my refugium though because I leave my refugium light on longer than my DT light due to the macroalgae. Plus I plan on getting an Emp Angel and I've heard they may attack reefy stuff.

Steve

 

[melosu58]

Yes they will attack your reef IMO. I would go ahead and put the clam in your reef.