ORA Ultra Grade Clam - Help ID ?

[reeferside]

Hey all!

Got my 1.5" maxima clam from Chance of Coral on their recent order to ORA. When I was buying it, it was all closed up so I just went home and did my 3 - hour drip acclimation and clam-dip/bath.

On the same day it opened up slightly and it seemed sort of blackish/goldish.

I made sure to acclimate him to the lights. Before I put him in, when he was in a different container during acclimation - he'd already shown the color that is in the pictures. Now on day 3, he's opened up moreso but I moved some stuff in my tank so he got irritated and closed a little. Regardless, I decided to snap some pictures and ask you guys if something is wrong with my clam or if this is all good. :heh:

More importantly, I'm confused as to what Ultra grade means. I assumed it meant ultra "color" and extremely bright, since it definitely is on the pricier side. Can you guys help me out here??

Here's a list I had to choose from when I was making my order.

SALE Gold Maxima 1.5 (4-5cm) (T. maxima) $28.99
Gold Maxima 2.0 (5-6cm) (T. maxima) * $41.00
Ultra Gold Maxima 1.5 (4-5cm) (T. maxima) $41.00
Ultra Gold Maxima 2.0 (5-6cm) (T. maxima) * $50.00
First Grade Maxima 1.5 (4-5cm) (T. maxima) $41.00
First Grade Maxima 2.0 (5-6cm) (T. maxima) $60.99
Ultra Color Maxima 1.5 (4-5cm) (T. maxima) $60.99
*Limited Quantity Ultra Color Maxima 2.0 (5-6cm) (T. maxima) $81.00
Ultra - Black&Color 1.5 (4 5cm) (T. maxima) $31.00
Derasa 2.0 (5-6cm) (T. derasa) $32.99
Derasa 2.5 (6-7cm) (T. derasa) $35.00
Squamosa 1.5 (4-5cm) (T. squamosa) $32.99


Here are two links that sell ORA's ultra grade clams

1. http://www.thatpetplace.com/Tridacna...y=438269&sc=18

2. http://www.saltwaterfish.com/product...-white-limit-1

Both these links state ORA Ultra grade/color, which confuses the $#!% out of me

Now here are the pictures. Thanks everyone!

 

[Scout]

I purchased a few gobies on this Ora run. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those clams too. I didn't because each clam is different so who's deciding which are "ultra" or "first class" and what does that truly mean? In my opinion if I were to get such a huge center piece in my tank, I'd like to make sure it's exactly how I want it. Even when you go to ORA website they don't show you each clam and a picture.

 

[jesuses]

It's the 60.99 one. It's suppose to be blue I think because it says colored. From the pics it looks gold. I ordered 3 from saltwaterfish.com since they were cheap. They arrive tomorrow, I'll let you know what color they arr

 

[pirate2876]

That is an awesome clam. Looks almost like a leopard or tear drop. ORA has designations for classifying clam pricing. Usually mantle color, pattern, etc, are what determine pricing.

Anytime you buy a coral/clam sight unseen you are running a risk of not getting what you expected. Unfortunately clams vary so wildly in color and pattern that there isn't a way to describe them all.

 

[BeanMachine]

Yeah I agree with Jesus you got a Ultra Gold Maxima, not Ultra Colored Maxima. I've been wrong before though. Still really nice though. If it was a mistake I'm sure Chance/ Robert will make it right.

 

[Digitaledge]

Where did you get that clam dish?

 

[Six2seven]

As you have probably noticed that clam is falling over inside that clam dish. I would place a hand full of sand in the dish and then seat the clam on top so that it sits upright. The clam will eventually stretch its legs and grab hold of the dish.

 

[xmas_one]

Tank looks kinda dim for a clam.

 

[reeferside]

It's the 60.99 one. It's suppose to be blue I think because it says colored. From the pics it looks gold. I ordered 3 from saltwaterfish.com since they were cheap. They arrive tomorrow, I'll let you know what color they arr

Hey man, please do!

 

[reeferside]

Yeah I agree with Jesus you got a Ultra Gold Maxima, not Ultra Colored Maxima. I've been wrong before though. Still really nice though. If it was a mistake I'm sure Chance/ Robert will make it right.

Yeah, I hope so! Robert just sent me a pm. We are working things out, will post updates regarding what happens next.

 

[reeferside]

Where did you get that clam dish?

Company : Thrive - Clam kit

 

[reeferside]

As you have probably noticed that clam is falling over inside that clam dish. I would place a hand full of sand in the dish and then seat the clam on top so that it sits upright. The clam will eventually stretch its legs and grab hold of the dish.

Hey Steve,

Great meeting last night. I will try that with my next clam since I won't be keeping this guy. I'll be giving him back to get the correct one since they sent the wrong one..

 

[reeferside]

Tank looks kinda dim for a clam.

Will be borrowing a par meter very soon from LARS, got lights lying around at a buddies house who will sell me some if my lights aren't strong enough.

 

[xmas_one]

Will be borrowing a par meter very soon from LARS, got lights lying around at a buddies house who will sell me some if my lights aren't strong enough.

http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/s...ial-Los-Angeles-Reef-Society-par-meter-thread

 

[reeferside]

http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/s...ial-Los-Angeles-Reef-Society-par-meter-thread

Already on the list. That one is not updated yet. Thank you man!

 

[ChanceReef]

Ur good we got u they are good about it

 

[reeferside]

Update:

Dropped off my clam at Chance of Coral today. They were chill n cool about it all. Will update with my new clam when it comes in. Can't wait! :scared:

 

[jesuses]

The 2 on the left are first grade blue and the other a purple. I couldn't get the color right but they are definitely not gold

 

[reeferside]

The 2 on the left are first grade blue and the other a purple. I couldn't get the color right but they are definitely not gold

Love them, they look great! Did you say you ordered ultra grade? Or am I just mistaken.. I see that you said they're first grade here. Anyways, hope they do well! Do you know the par where you are keeping them?

 

[jesuses]

First grade/purple