Yeah, I'll agree they are hard to keep from everything that I've read. I admit the reason I decided to try one was because of the great price on this one.

I read this interesting article about phytoplankton being a necessity for clams from Dr. Shimek.

http://www.dtplankton.com/Clams.htm

In the summary at the end, it states that dead phytoplankton (such as Tahaitian blend I think) are not consumed by the clam but live phytoplankton (such as DT's) are.

This is why I'm hoping to get group/power buys on DT's every 4-6 months or somehow get access to some home grown cultures.

Metal Halide lighting is a must, more important than feeding IMO.

Hey Sam, how bout an update on the clam!

Hi Pocilipora.
Not much to say other than its alive :) I can't really tell if the clam's happy or not. It looks about the same at this point.

I also got one of those croceas. It's doing fine. Clams do need additional feeding though.

when are we going to see some pictures of your tank Brad?

Steve

When you take them Steve....

Well I don't know if clams in general need extra feeding. I beleive as long as good lighting is provided and ammonia is being released in the system clams will do well. I have two clams that are over 5 years old. I don't feed anything more then fish food. That being said mine are maxima's and I have never owned crocea's.
http://members.shaw.ca/jcross1/bluemax.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/jcross1/purplemax.jpg

Jamie, I guess what I meant was they eat stuff other than light. So if you have a good supply of plankton in your tank, that may well be enough. I understand size also matters (in clams)...the smaller they are, the more supplemental feeding the require.

Brad,

I would say ammonia is the key. I don't know if they need plankton.