Derasa clam reef compatibility check
Tridacna derasa
Derasa clam (Tridacna derasa) is an intermediate-level clam that needs at least 75 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; grows large and needs stable chemistry. Plan high light and moderate flow. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 6 months old.
Hardier clam option, but adult size and stability requirements are real.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 75+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 75 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 6+ months old.
- ✕ Grows large and needs stable chemistry.
Compatibility warnings
- Grows large and needs stable chemistry.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 75 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 6 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Invert plans should account for copper exposure, acclimation sensitivity, predation risk, and whether the tank can actually feed the animal.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 75 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 16 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- High
- Bioload
- 0.8
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Maxima clam
50+ gallons, expert care.
- Sand sifting starfish
100+ gallons, expert care, reef caution.
- Serpent starfish
50+ gallons, reef caution.
- Pincushion urchin
40+ gallons, reef caution.
Equipment that fits
- AquaIllumination Hydra 64HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 430 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- EcoTech Marine Radion XR30 G6 Blue LED
Lists about 430 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- Orphek Atlantik iCon Compact
Lists about 250 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the derasa clam need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 75 gallons, based on an adult size of about 16 inches, plus room to forage and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the derasa clam reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Grows large and needs stable chemistry.
Is the derasa clam good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable for 6+ months.
How much light and flow does the derasa clam need?
ReefCrafter lists a high light need and moderate flow. In planner terms that starts around 250 PAR.