How often should I Feed my derasa clams?
Derasa Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smaller T. derasa that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplankton or greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium.
Are Tridacna clams filter feeders?
Tridacna clams are also filter feeders and constantly filter the water for small particulates. Derasa Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smaller T. derasa that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplankton or greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium.
What is a derasa clam?
The Derasa Clam Tridacna derasa was described by Röding in 1798. They are the second largest clam in their genus reaching 18 to 24” in length. Derasa Clams are found throughout the Indo-West Pacific.
What is the best tank for a derasa clam?
A high pH and high temperatures can cause problems. The size of the tank should be at least 100 gallons for your Derasa Clam (though larger is better) as this will help keep water parameters stable. Live rock is necessary and sand is preferred if they will be on the substrate.
How do you care for Derasa Clams?
derasa that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplankton or greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium. Tridacna derasa are the hardiest and most adaptable of all the Tridacna spp., and require moderate to intense lighting and good water flow in the home aquarium.
Do you need to feed clams?
Smaller clams need to be fed regularly since they aren't as efficient at generating nutrition strictly from photosynthesis. Once they get above 3-3.5” supplemental feeding is not necessary if they have adequate lighting.
How often should you feed a clam?
Augment your clams natural food with feedings 1-2 a week. Your clams can eat a lot of the food leftover by the rest of the tank, but, especially in newer tanks with fewer organisms, they will need some extra food to truly thrive.
How fast do Derasa Clams grow?
The Derasa Clam is the most widely available and hardy of the Tridacna clams. This species is one of the largest of the "giant" clams, and grows rapidly, reaching a maximum size of approximately 20 inches. Under the proper conditions, smaller Derasa Clams can double or triple their size in less than a year.
What can I feed clams at home?
In most cases, feeding a Freshwater Clam naturally occurring edible material is not enough. It may be necessary to supplement a clam's diet with very finely ground Calcium enriched pellets or tablets, fish flakes or algae wafers. As these supplements dissolve, a Freshwater Clam will begin filter feeding them out.
Can clams eat fish food?
Freshwater clams eat small particles of floating edible materials in the water column and are filter feeders. This floating food can come from both natural sources and supplements. Freshwater clams will eat fish food particles as well as fish poop.
Where do you place Derasa clams?
Placement. Derasa Clams do best towards the bottom of the tank in the sand bed. You can also place them on the rock work, but make sure they are not at risk of being knocked over. It is also important to make sure that no detritus collects on the clam.
How do you know if a clam is dying?
If the clam shells are closed or do not close when you tap on them, then the clam is dead. That's when you need to toss them in the trash. Another way you can tell if clams are dead if you'd like to double check is to toss them in a bowl of water. If the clams float in the water, they are dead, according to The Week.
Can clams survive out of water?
Clams can't breathe in an air environment. When there is a drought, however, some clams can spend months, even years, out of water. They do this by closing up and shutting down all processes except for the essential ones, and they carry these out without oxygen.
How long do Derasa clams live?
Lifespan: 200 years - They can live over 200 years in the wild, and may live for decades in captivity.
Do Derasa clams move?
The clam uses its foot for locomotion, trying to find that perfect spot in the aquarium or on the reef where it can get enough light for photosynthesis while also staying out of strong currents. It obviously cannot move very fast, but Tridacna clams can move several feet on one day if they are determined.
Do clams need light?
Clams need intense lights, and typically high quality, powerful LEDs or halides are recommended. But, young clams under 2 inches are easily damaged by light. All sized clams need to be properly acclimated to intense lighting.
What food do clams eat?
Clams eat plankton, algae, and other organic matter. Clams eat algae, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and other organic matter that passes through their filtration system. These mollusks are omnivores that eat both plants and animals, albeit in their smallest forms.
What do you feed saltwater clams?
3:185:43How to Care for Tridacna Clams in Your Saltwater Aquarium - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd ammonia feeding small particle foods such as phytoplankton.MoreAnd ammonia feeding small particle foods such as phytoplankton.
Can you keep saltwater clams as pets?
Although the biggest of these reaches several feet across, the smaller species, including Tridacna crocea and Tridacna maxima, are small enough to live in a home aquarium. As with all marine aquarium creatures, maintaining a giant clam is a serious commitment in terms of both time and money.
Do clams eat sand?
Clams filter microscopic particles, not stones or grains of sand — or corn meal. Clams don't have gizzards. They don't need grit to do their jobs. Grit in your shell is just a side effect of being a clam.
Prepping for a Derasa clam
Derasa clams will usually adapt well to any system that is housing healthy and growing SPS corals. Thus, if your acros are looking sweet, you’re probably ready to get your Derasa.
Maintaining a Derasa clam
If you are careful to (1) provide bright light, (2) maintain great water quality and (3) place the clam in a cozy spot, then there isn’t much else you’ll ever have to do to keep your clam alive and well. Indeed, the best conditions for derasa clams (and for all tridacnid clams) are stable conditions.
Conclusion
Tridacna derasa is an excellent choice for your first tridacnid. For sure, you should be able to keep one of these beauties before moving on to the yet touchier members of the genus.