{"product_id":"blue-maxima-clam-tridacna-maxima-saltwater","title":"Blue Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E0F7FA;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBlue Maxima Clam\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eTridacna maxima\u003c\/em\u003e) is an aquacultured, first grade giant clam with a mantle in blues and turquoise, patterned in the stripes, spots, and wavy lines that make maximas the most colorful clams on the reef. Aquacultured clams are raised on farms instead of being harvested from wild reefs, and they arrive used to captive life. This is a young clam, which makes it an affordable way to start a clam garden and watch it color up and grow in your own tank. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/corals\"\u003ecorals, anemones, and clams\u003c\/a\u003e and our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003esaltwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst grade or ultra?\u003c\/strong\u003e First grade clams show solid blue and turquoise color, often with some brown or less intricate patterning. If you want the most saturated, fully patterned mantle available, step up to our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ultra-grade-maxima-clam-tridacna-maxima-saltwater\"\u003eUltra Grade Maxima Clam\u003c\/a\u003e. Each clam is an individual, so the exact pattern may differ from the photo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E0F7FA;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding:10px 14px;margin:14px 0;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall clams need extra care.\u003c\/strong\u003e A clam this size depends more on phytoplankton and is more vulnerable to pests and swings than a large adult. Start it in a stable, mature reef and feed it.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons or larger, established and stable, with true reef-grade lighting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e intense. Maximas live high on the reef. Start it midway up the rockwork for the first week or two, then move it higher as it opens fully, so it adjusts to your light instead of bleaching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow:\u003c\/strong\u003e low to moderate and indirect. The mantle should ripple, not fold.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e set it on rock, rubble, or a small clam stand where it can grip with its byssal foot. Once attached, do not pry it loose; move the rock instead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e photosynthetic, but clams under about 3 inches get a large share of their nutrition from phytoplankton. Dose live phytoplankton several times a week.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76 to 80°F, salinity 1.024 to 1.026, calcium 400 to 450 ppm, alkalinity 8 to 11 dKH, magnesium around 1300 ppm. Test regularly, since a growing clam uses calcium and alkalinity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePest check:\u003c\/strong\u003e look over the shell and the byssal opening every week or two for tiny white pyramid snails and remove any you find. Bristleworms and some crabs can also bother small clams, so keep it on rock above the sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTridacna maxima\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMaxima Clam, Rugose Giant Clam, Small Giant Clam\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFirst grade, blue and turquoise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize at sale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eJuvenile, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches (approximate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e8 to 12 inches, slow growing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePhotosynthetic, plus phytoplankton\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIntense\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eLow to moderate, indirect\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e30 gallons, established\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium \/ Alk \/ Mag\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e400 to 450 ppm \/ 8 to 11 dKH \/ about 1300 ppm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e76 to 80°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAquacultured, Central Pacific\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaxima clams have no sting and never bother fish, corals, or inverts. They sit happily among corals and alongside clownfish, gobies, chromis, tangs, cleaner shrimp, and snails. Keep them away from known clam pickers such as large angelfish, butterflyfish, triggers, puffers, and some wrasses, and keep stinging corals and wandering anemones from reaching the mantle. For a full clam garden, combine it with the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ultra-grade-crocea-clam-tridacna-crocea-saltwater\"\u003eUltra Grade Crocea Clam\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/derasa-clam-tridacna-derasa-saltwater\"\u003eDerasa Clam\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bulldawg-reef-juice-clam-blend-live-phytoplankton\"\u003eBulldawg Reef Juice Clam Blend\u003c\/a\u003e, live phytoplankton made for small clams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/quantum-easy-e-calcium-reef-2-part-supplement\"\u003eQuantum Easy E Calcium\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/quantum-easy-z-alkalinity-reef-2-part\"\u003eQuantum Easy Z Alkalinity\u003c\/a\u003e to keep shell-building chemistry steady\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/salifert-calcium-test-kit\"\u003eSalifert Calcium Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/salifert-kh-alkalinity-test-kit\"\u003eSalifert KH\/Alkalinity Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/salifert-magnesium-test-kit\"\u003eSalifert Magnesium Test Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpgrade path: the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/ultra-grade-maxima-clam-tridacna-maxima-saltwater\"\u003eUltra Grade Maxima Clam\u003c\/a\u003e for top-tier color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big is it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a juvenile, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches across the shell. Sizes are approximate, so come see it in store if the exact size matters to you. Maximas grow slowly and can reach about a foot over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between first grade and ultra grade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrade describes mantle color and pattern. First grade has solid blues and turquoise, sometimes with brown areas or simpler patterning. Ultra grade has the most saturated color and intricate pattern across the whole mantle, at a higher price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes a small clam need to be fed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Clams under about 3 inches rely on filter feeding much more than adults do. Plan on live phytoplankton several times a week until it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy aquacultured?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFarm-raised clams take pressure off wild reefs, and they are used to captive conditions. They still need a pest check, since pyramid snails can hitch a ride in any system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere should I put it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn rock or rubble in strong light with gentle flow. Start it partway up and move it higher over a week or two, then let it attach and leave it be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49318856622299,"sku":"2565472","price":57.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/blue-maxima-clam-tridacna-maxima-saltwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}