Care for Maxima Clams

Position the Maxima clam on a flat, rocky surface when you first introduce it to your tank. Have the opening facing up. Prop up the shell with small pieces of rock or coral if necessary. The site should get good light and not be too close either to the sides of the tank or to aggressive sessile invertebrates such as anemones.

Turn the tank light on for at least 12 hours per day to support the algae the clams need. Maxima clams have a mutually beneficial relationship with algae in their bodies. They also filter phytoplankton from the water.

Maintain calcium levels in the tank of between 400 and 500 mg per liter. Clams need calcium to build their shells. Also use strontium and iodine supplements for aquariums as per the instructions.

Test nitrate levels weekly. While levels must be low for the health of the other inhabitants of the tank, Maxima clams do need some nitrate. Cautiously add extra if levels are at zero, but never let levels climb above 2 mg per liter. Adding nitrate is likely unnecessary in a healthy, well-stocked tank.

Supplement the clam's diet with extra phytoplankton, if you wish. Extra food is rarely necessary though. Maxima clams make part of their own food from their symbiotic algae, and the rest should occur naturally in a healthy tank. A good light and an established reef ecosystem is all a clam usually requires.