Clam Emergency

[kc]

I have a 7" teardrop, the mentel starts retracted and gaping. I already lost a maxima 2 weeks ago. What should I do? Should I do a water change now?

Water parameters looks good.

PH 8-8.3
salinity 1.028
temp 79-80
calcium 400
alk 10 dkh
amonia, nitrite, nitrates, phosphates not detectible.

Please help.

 

[NaH2O]

Hi KC - I have a few questions for ya. Hope we can help you figure out what is going on.

How were you measuring your specific gravity, with a hydrometer or a refractometer? How long have the clams been in the system? How long has the clam been showing signs of distress? Have you checked the clam for any parasites? Has anything in the tank been bothering the clam? How is your lighting? Any major swings in parameters or anything new with the tank lately?

 

[BlennyBabe]

Have there been any temperature swings?

 

[mattseattle]

have you done a fresh water dip on your clam?

 

[kc]

I use the swing-arm style Hydrometer. I have the clams for a year now. I noticed the clam in stress yesterday and found out the tentacle was deteched from the rock about several days ago.
How do I check for the parasites? I don't think anything brother the clam because I didn't have any addition. All parameters and temp. are stabled. I have 2 5" VHO and 2 x 250W HQI with the XM light blubs.
No, I haven't done a fresh water dip yet. How long should I let it dip in fresh water?

Thanks
KC

 

[kc]

Oops.. I forgot. I did get a Red Monti frag about 1 week ago but I don't think it is the issue because my maxima died before that.

 

[kc]

I just found this article from Clam Direct for the fresh water dip. I will try that and hope it helps.

http://www.clamsdirect.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=191

 

[big t]

Get a refractometer! I personally had 2 swing hydro's that both read about 1.024 - 1.025. I found out that my salinity was really 1.029. Cesar had the same thing happen. Your salinity could potentially be way too high.

 

[NaH2O]

kc - for sure check out your salinity with a refractometer, or take a sample to a LFS that uses one and have them check. According to Giant Clams, by Daniel Knop

Damage Due to Hypersalinity, Signs: Even during illumination, the shells are not completely opened and the mantle stays mostly retracted.

Let us know how things go

 

[DonW]

Loosing one clam could just be a fluke, but two probably is not. I would get your SG checked and in line. First I'd get all the clams into another tank. You may have a bacterial problem.

Don

 

[Illusion]

I agree. 1.028 on a wing are would put you probably close to 1.031 or more... The Clam is already stressed.. A FW dip will more than likely finish off the clam...

James

 

[plack]

let us know what happens whatever you decide good luck the article / thread at clams direct seems to distinguish between pinched mantle and retracting back into the shell mantle and warns not to did for the latter condition and sounds logical and even shows some photo's anyway good luck

 

[kc]

I dip the clam into the fresh water for 15 mins and had a water change yesterday. The salinity was 1.026 this morning. I will dip it again tonight.
By the way, should I change water again by add the water without salt? Is this a quickest way to lower the salinity?

Thanks
KC

 

[Illusion]

I would suggest avoiding the FW dip... I know you already did it once but doing it twice will more than likely finish the clam off for sure... Just doing small Water changes with FW until reaching the target is the best and easiest way... However your tank should never fluctuate more than .001 in a 24hr period... I would look into making sure you are keeping the levels stable... a .002 drop in 24hrs and you didnt even really know it is cause for concerns there... I would strongly advise not to do another FW dip..

James

 

[NaH2O]

See if this helps with adjusting the salinity: Salinity Adjustment Calculator

 

[kc]

Will do a small water change in next couple days and not the FW dip. Again, thanks for all your help.

 

[kc]

Too bad. My clam died on the weekend.

 

[NaH2O]

Sorry to hear that, kc.