how to introduce a clam without getting harass by others

[itche_scratche]

How do I introduce a clam to a tank without being harass by other fish or hermit crab. I have an existing clam without any issue. Last month I introduce another new clam it got nipped by the fish and hermit crab until it die. Why they pick on this clam but not the other. I would like to get another clam but I'm worry about the same problem.
Thanks for your help.

 

[NanaReefer]

Try putting it in after lights out. When fishes are asleep so to speak.

 

[user 26995]

what kind of fish do you have?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

How do I introduce a clam to a tank without being harass by other fish or hermit crab. I have an existing clam without any issue. Last month I introduce another new clam it got nipped by the fish and hermit crab until it die. Why they pick on this clam but not the other. I would like to get another clam but I'm worry about the same problem.
Thanks for your help.

Often when a hermit is munching on a clam, is because it is already dying.
Where did you get the clam?

 

[itche_scratche]

I did introduce it at night. The fish that nipping the clam are Sailfin Tang, Purple Tang and the melanurus wrasse. I'm currently have a Crocea Clam in the tank for 1 years without any harassment. The clam i tried to introduce was Tahitian Maximas and purchase online.

 

[user 26995]

Yeah, I would tend to agree with herefishyfishy in believing the clam was dying when you got it and that is why they picked at it. fish and inverts can tell the smell of dying/dead tissue and will eat it.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

The clam i tried to introduce was Tahitian Maximas and purchase online.

Mail order is a risky way to buy. All tridacnid clams are extremely delicate and should be considered an advanced level inhabitant. If and when tank and you are ready, best buying one locally, that has fully acclimated and then spend much time acclimating it to your system

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Why do Clams Die in Aquariums? - YouTube

 

[user 26995]

Yeah, you live and learn the hard way sometimes.
sorry for the loss. I've lost a couple. A large squamosa and a large maxima to pyramidal snails. Had the clams for a couple years and then all of a sudden the snails showed up, didnt notice it right away, and lost them both.

 

[DonW]

Clams can be difficult thats for sure. Some of you will remember this old guy. He is still yard art in my wife's flower bed.

 

[itche_scratche]

Thanks for all your reply. I'm planning to get another clam. Should I acclimate it in the sump or build a plastics canvas tube to protect it until it full acclimate.

 

[itche_scratche]

Or should I acclimate it in another tank for 10-14 day before I place in the main tank. The problem is my acclimate tank doesn't have a strong light.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

I think you should tell us all about your tank. Size, stability, number of years it has been established, inhabitants.
You also need to read up on the needs of clams and how to acclimate them. I suspect at least half of the croceas and perhaps same with maxima clams purchased don't last a year. The ones purchased correctly and cared for in the proper display can last decades.

"Should I acclimate it in the sump? "

 

[itche_scratche]

My tank about 1yrs 120gal Sps dominate. 1/2 is live stock transfer from old tank ran for 3yrs including the crocea. I have a large sump with a area to grow macro algae. The different is I purchased the crocea locally and the last maximas was online. I prefer to qt it but I don't have strong light in my qt tank.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Thanks for the reply. The reason I asked is I have never heard of anyone suggesting putting a clam in a sump. High lighting is absolutely VITAL to the health of clams. What is your tank depth and lighting? pH? dkh? Temperature range? Filtration? What do you do to maintain water chemistry?

 

[DonW]

You should not need to do anything special. The clam will protect its mantle from fish on its own. Just make sure you search for a healthy clam, local is always better. Fish will pick on clams that are already on their way out. On the good side fish will develop relationships with healthy clams. Here is a clown that hosted one of my clams.

 

[itche_scratche]

My display is 4X2 120Gal, with 2-250W MH, 4 T5 54W. Cal~400, alk~9, phosphate & nitrate detectable but not a issue, temp between 81-78 summer 77-79 winter. Clam will be stressed from shipping, so should i protected with the plastic canvas until it get healthy? I always buy local if i can, but the clam online are so pretty especially the Tahitian clam.