Help me pick just one.

DRC Archive Member Tanks
1

For all you clam people out there or for anyone that knows them pretty well…. what type of clam would you recommend to me to put into my well established system? I’m not worried about something that is super hardy. If it’s extremely rare, but not really too appealing and just plain I’m not really interested. I’m up for something rarer if it looks nice, but appearance is important. I have never ever tried a clam and want my first to really be a good pick. Not ready financially to go grab one just yet and I want to add a couple of pieces of equipment to my tank first, but just planning ahead.

Should I go aqua cultured? Also I’d prefer something smaller to watch it grow, but don’t want to purchase an animal that isn’t likely to make it. ~ what size is too small?

This is a side to the hobby I’ve never really ventured into and it’s time for something new. I’ll only be get one, so I want to make a good choice.

2

color/pattern/type is up to you.
for the most part, the only non-aquacultured are the wild caught and gonna run $100plus.
growth is easy to see on the faster growing derasas [mine doubled to about 7" in 14 months] and squamosas, but slower on maximas and croceas, the two that need more light.
i’d say that 2inches is about as small as you’d wanna go

3

In my opinon maxima’s are the most touchy with crocea and derasa easiest, and squammies somewhere in between. This has been my personnal experience over the years. Good luck with whatever species you decide on!!

4

Jon maxi’s are my favorite but there are real nice looking ones with any species. I think the maxima’s hold there color better then croceas. The clams enjoy little bit of nitrate so thats not a problem. I don’t think theres one particular one that is any more difficult then the other, all require good light. Maxi’s and crocea’s like the rocks but are cool to hang out on the sand. If you go aquacultured such as ORA there usually pest free but not very big. 1.5-2 inch, Wild caught is fine also but suggest quarantining it before putting it in the main system.

As far as size for your first one 2 to 3 inches would be a good place to start. I'd stay away from the ones smaller then a inch and a half just they seem to be not quite as hardy.
5

My Squammy has been really good for me while my derasa died and my crocea is nice and plump…

Its up to you but i would not want to go below 2.5"