New clam and SPS
 

Hi folks,

So after waiting a few weeks to get the tank used to the new lighting, the wife and I went out to get some new stuff!

We picked out a few SPS frags from J&L and also bought a 2.5 inch maxima.

I have done some research on clams and figured that this would be a good way to start. If anyone out there has some helpful hints or words of wisdom that might save me from the constant searching please share!

Lastly, I have heard that a "Gaping" clam is an unhappy clam, what is the difference between open and gaping?

Thanks,

Rob

Just wondering were you got the Clam?

You will know gaping when you see it. the mantel of the clam should extended beyond the opening and look "puffed" for lack of a better word. a gapping clam would appear to be open without restrain and the mantel would not extended in a healthy manor.

Take a look at www.clamsdirect.com to find healthy maxima

good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of clams

J

Did J&L finally get their shipment of colored maximas in?

i dont mean to hijack this thread,
but i do know that big al's was suppossed to have gotten a big shipment of clams in. dont know about pricing either.
they probably will goto the burnaby location first, then out to richmond.

The Big Al's in Edmonton had clams the other day but they were overpriced and rather lackluster.

Thanks guys, and don't worry about hi-jacking the thread, the more the merrier!

I purchased the maxima at J&L's ($40), the funny thing is that the web site mentions new derasa clams, but it was sold to me as a maxima. Could be a mistake but normally they are pretty good about these things! The clam is yellow and gold, and pretty smooth on the outside which does not seem to be like a maxima, but the edges have a tinge of deep blue. I will try to post a pic later.

It is open, with the mantel slightly extended beyond the shell, it is definitely NOT puffy though, quite thin with extension about a millemeter or so beyond the shell. This is how he was at the shop as well. I attributed this to new tank, though. Do I have a problem?

Please let me know your thoughts!

Rob

No that is not a Maxima but a Derasa Clam. Still great clams. J&L are expecting Maxima clams in 3 weeks or so. I don't know why they would tell you they were Maxima.

This is a Derasa clam
http://www.user.dccnet.com/jmckenzie/image.jpg


Jason

Is that a pic of the ones at J&L? Looks like them.

But aren't there such a thing as Gold maxima's?

Another quick question to throw out there. Why are the shells perfect, smooth and white? Aqua-cultured?

no those aren't the ones from J&Ls but a pic I got from Barry at clams direct

I'm not certain why there shells are perfectly white but all the sources I have seen are :rolleyes:

I have a Glod Maxima here is mine
http://www.user.dccnet.com/jmckenzie/clamaftermove.jpg
Sorry not the greatest photo
J

Nice clam. That's the shell I'm use to seeing. Then again, I don't go to many LFS cause I'm out in the boonies.

Here's my Derasa. Started out with a white shell and slowly it became encrusted in coraline algae and also turned dark from the excess nutrients from the fish in the tank.

Derasa Growth

Posing with other clams

My Derasa started out about the same size as the maximas in the 2nd picture and has grown quickly. I'm going to put it up for sale soon since its taking up too much of my limited sandbed.

Thanks for the pics Sam. I see now how the shell turns colour.

How much are you thinking of asking for your clam? I've always wanted one. I had one in my old tank a year and a half ago but got rid of it before the switch over. I got lots of room..

Great looking clams Sam. I had never seen a Derasa outside a LFS or on the net. Are those three Maxima or is one a Crocea or Squamosa?

Jason

Hi Jack. Probably $30. Jakets, the green one is a Squamosa. The other 2 are Maximas.

Thanks guys,

Yep it looks like I have a derasa. Which of course is fine by me since I am told that they make for a good first clam.

I'm not sure that it was J&L's fault. It could have been something simple as them asking "Do you want that Maxima" and then me choosing the derasa right next to it and not understanding. They have never steered me wrong in that respect before.

Thanks Sam for the pics, I hope this fellow stays healthy and grows for a vary long time!

Best,

Rob