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Lookin for my first clam..a Derasa, anyone tossin' one?
- Thread starter wienerdog
- Start date
falconut
NJRC Member
I got my 4" Derasa from Aquarium Center last year for $40 and I believe they regularly have them. I've got it on the sand next to my Blue Maxima in my 90 under the 250 Watt MH's. It's already grown an inch or two. They also tend to have Maxima clams too, but they're usually smaller and cost more. But, I'd call first to make sure they got some.
Thanks Craig. I would prefer to go with a Maxima. However, it's my first one and Ive been told the Derasa is the beginner clam. Waddya think?
falconut
NJRC Member
I've had 4 clams total. My 1st was a Crocea that was about 4-5" at purchase. I just placed it on the sand and it did great. Then I purchased a 2" Blue Maxima and a few weeks later my tank was all cloudy. I didn't know what happened, but on closer look, it was my Crocea shooting it out. It did clean up, but the Maxima was dead and a week later so was my Crocea. About 2 years ago I got a 4" Blue Maxima and it's been doing great on the sand. Last year I added my Derasa and placed it next to the Maxima, I call it clam corner. They've been fine since.
I haven't noticed any care difference between the Derasa, Crocea or Maxima under my lighting. From what I've read, the Maxima and Crocea tend to need more lighting, I think the bluer need more. The other thing I've read is that the smaller clams need to be fed. I was doing this with my 2" Maxima. But now I just get larger (3"+) ones, they seam to be hardier and just light dependant. I haven't fed them anything during the time I've had them and they're fine. I've had success with them, so I stick with what works.
You could get either, just if you see the Maxima's mantles reaching up, then move it up. If they're laying flat, then it's fine. If it's small, in either case, you'll need to do more. Plus, the Derasa will grow faster, my Maxima may have grown a 1/2" in the 2 years, but my Derasa has grown about 1, maybe 2 in the year. Hope this helps.
I haven't noticed any care difference between the Derasa, Crocea or Maxima under my lighting. From what I've read, the Maxima and Crocea tend to need more lighting, I think the bluer need more. The other thing I've read is that the smaller clams need to be fed. I was doing this with my 2" Maxima. But now I just get larger (3"+) ones, they seam to be hardier and just light dependant. I haven't fed them anything during the time I've had them and they're fine. I've had success with them, so I stick with what works.
You could get either, just if you see the Maxima's mantles reaching up, then move it up. If they're laying flat, then it's fine. If it's small, in either case, you'll need to do more. Plus, the Derasa will grow faster, my Maxima may have grown a 1/2" in the 2 years, but my Derasa has grown about 1, maybe 2 in the year. Hope this helps.
[QUOTEBut now I just get larger (3"+) ones, they seam to be hardier and just light dependant. I haven't fed them anything during the time I've had them and they're fine.][/QUOTE]
That is super solid advice. Number one thing is to get a clama bit bigger then the tiny ones you often see. They have a much better survival rate. I have one of each, deresa and maxima, bought both from Saltwater Critters at two different frag swaps both went from 3-4 inches to well the derasa is 9-10 and weighs about 5 lbs I think the Maxima is only 5 but has started to get some solid growth in the last few months....think it got bigger and then jumped in size.
That is super solid advice. Number one thing is to get a clama bit bigger then the tiny ones you often see. They have a much better survival rate. I have one of each, deresa and maxima, bought both from Saltwater Critters at two different frag swaps both went from 3-4 inches to well the derasa is 9-10 and weighs about 5 lbs I think the Maxima is only 5 but has started to get some solid growth in the last few months....think it got bigger and then jumped in size.