{"product_id":"maxima-ultra-clam","title":"Maxima Ultra Clam","description":"\u003ch3\u003eMaxima Ultra Clam: The Giant of the Small Giants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMaxima Ultra Clam\u003c\/strong\u003e (Tridacna maxima) is a highly desirable, large specimen of the Maxima species, typically referring to those available for sale in the 5 to 6-inch range and exhibiting the most intense, vibrant coloration and mantle patterns (often branded as 'Ultra,' 'Electric,' or 'Gold' grade). While T.maxima is often called the \"Small Giant Clam,\" these larger specimens are a substantial addition to any mature reef system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the shallow, clear waters of the Indo-Pacific, the \u003cstrong\u003eMaxima Ultra Clam\u003c\/strong\u003e relies heavily on the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae in its mantle for survival, meaning \u003cstrong\u003eintense, high-quality reef lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e is its most crucial requirement. Its deeply fluted shell and spectacular, intricate patterns of electric blues, greens, golds, and purples make it a top-tier showpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to its high demand for light, pristine water quality, and the stability required to grow a clam to this large size, the \u003cstrong\u003eMaxima Ultra Clam\u003c\/strong\u003e should only be attempted by Intermediate to Advanced hobbyists with a well-established reef tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003cstrong\u003eMaxima Ultra Clam\u003c\/strong\u003e is primarily a \u003cstrong\u003ePhotosynthetic Filter Feeder\u003c\/strong\u003e. It receives the vast majority of its energy from the sun via its symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). As a large adult, it is mostly self-sufficient but will still filter feed on phytoplankton, bacteria, and particulate organic matter from the water column.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clams of this size (5−6 inches) typically do not require dedicated supplemental feeding if housed in a well-stocked, nutrient-rich reef tank, though occasional phytoplankton dosing can be beneficial. Pristine water quality and \u003cstrong\u003eintense light\u003c\/strong\u003e are far more critical than target feeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extremely High Intensity is non-negotiable. Place the clam \u003cstrong\u003ehigh\u003c\/strong\u003e on the rockwork where it receives PAR levels comparable to high-light SPS corals. Insufficient light will lead to starvation and bleaching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Attachment:\u003c\/strong\u003e It prefers a solid, hard substrate like live rock or a clam stand\/tile and must be placed where its entire mantle receives direct light. It attaches with byssal threads and should never be forcibly removed once attached, as this can be fatal. Ensure the clam has plenty of room to grow and open fully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires moderate, turbulent, and indirect water flow to bring nutrients and oxygen. Strong, direct currents that cause the mantle to flap are stressful and should be avoided.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is Reef Safe and peaceful. It is vital to monitor for predators, most notably tiny, parasitic Pyramid Snails which attach to the clam's shell. Aggressive fish like certain puffers, angelfish, or butterflyfish may nip the mantle and should be avoided.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires immaculate and highly stable parameters to build its shell:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium: 400−450 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8−12 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium: 1280−1350 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tridacnamaxima (Ultra Grade)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maxima Ultra Clam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small Giant Clam, Electric Maxima\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific (Aquacultured or Maricultured)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6−12 inches (15−30 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Photosynthetic Filter Feeder (Relies on light and zooxanthellae)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75−100+ Gallons (For stability and light penetration)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting Requirement:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVery High (SPS\/Acropora Level)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate to \u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Large (5-6\")","offer_id":67703678206042,"sku":"hpr1791986621511","price":136.83,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0738\/0225\/2378\/files\/maxima-ultra-clam_1.webp?v=1791986626","url":"https:\/\/softdrapefit.shop\/products\/maxima-ultra-clam","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}