Maxima clam reef compatibility check
Tridacna maxima
Maxima clam (Tridacna maxima) is an expert-level clam that needs at least 50 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; needs strong light and stable calcium/alkalinity. Plan high light and moderate flow. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 6 months old.
Demanding photosynthetic clam for mature, stable, high-light reefs.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 50+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 50 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without experience and a long-stable system.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 6+ months old.
- ✕ Needs strong light and stable calcium/alkalinity.
Compatibility warnings
- Needs strong light and stable calcium/alkalinity.
- Avoid for young tanks.
- 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 50 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 50 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
- 8 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- High
- Bioload
- 0.6
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Derasa clam
75+ gallons, intermediate care.
- Serpent starfish
Same 50-gallon floor, intermediate care, reef caution.
- Pincushion urchin
40+ gallons, intermediate care, reef caution.
- Atlantic pygmy octopus
30+ gallons, reef not safe.
Equipment that fits
- Orphek Atlantik iCon
Lists about 350 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- 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.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the maxima clam need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 50 gallons, based on an adult size of about 8 inches, plus room to forage and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the maxima clam reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Needs strong light and stable calcium/alkalinity; Avoid for young tanks.
Is the maxima clam good for beginners?
It is rated expert care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable for 6+ months.
How much light and flow does the maxima clam need?
ReefCrafter lists a high light need and moderate flow. In planner terms that starts around 250 PAR.