I could use some advice about a clam.

[RobD]

Hey everybody,

I recently purchased two clams this last week, and they are starting to settle into my tank. One seems to have attached itself to the rockwork that I had him on, and is seems to be doing well. The other still hadn't attached, but seems to extend it's mantle and is responsive to light changes and isn't gaping or having any overt troubles. It seems like a health clam... but this has me concerned. It is attached to a small piece of rock. If I had to guess, I'd say that it's been like this since it was collected. I just noticed it today.

I have the clam positioned so there isn't any pressure on the small piece of rock that would push it inside the clam. Is this something that should just be left alone to work itself out, or is there some corrective action that someone could recommend, or is this guy going to be a collection casualty?

I'd appreciate hearing thoughts or experiences with this.

Thanks!

 

[jmaxwell]

clam

I imagine this is either a crocea or maxima...(if it is a deresa or sqaumosa they don't really attach to rock work and do better sitting on the bottom of your tank). I would leave the rock attached and try and find a spot the clam can really settle into..like any empty clam shell or a nice spot in your rock work. you can try and cut the bisal threads as close to the rock as possible, but it always seems a little sketchy..(maybe someone who has had some success can comment on cutting the threads).

Jim

 

[SueT]

RobD, I'd leave the rock attached to this clam alone. I have gotten clams like this before and the small rock it is attached to will either be released or the clam will stay attached cause it likes it.

I place all my clams in clam half shells for positioning and the ability to move them if needed.

Cutting the byssal threads is risky and I'd equate it to basic surgery.

 

[jazznreef]

agreed... i actually like when my clams come with small rocks. try and protect that rock, it's good.

 

[mojoreef]

I woulld have to agree with all of the above, I also have a few that are emotionally attached to thier little rocks. they will either move or stay,either is not a problem.


Mike

 

[RobD]

Good to hear!

I was worried that the clam would pull the small rock into its shell and damage its internal organs, or something terrible like that.

I haven't kept a clam before and I'm really surprised at how active these guys are. The one that I thought was settled down on the rock work must have "jumped" off last night. There was a small bit of tissue left where it was before and it was on the sandbed about 6 inches away in the morning.

Both of them seem to be healthy and vigorous, but I think I'm going to just keep them on the sand bed, so that they can settle down and not be stressed by moving.

I'm planning to add DT's at the recommended dosage every other day, like the directions state. This product is new to me, but it seems very good, and not some kind of "magic" snake oil product.

I don't have any clam half shells, like Sue suggested, so hopefully they will ok, just where they are at.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[mojoreef]

Rob what kind of clam is it and what is its size??most clams dont eat phyto after they have grown to a certain size. The phyto will probibly just hurt your water quality.

Mike

 

[RobD]

One is a 3-3.5" Brown Teardrop Maxima, and the other is a 3.5-4" Electric Crocea (Blue and Purple with some gold details). The Crocea is the one holding onto the small piece of rock.

I haven't seen anything that indicates that clams stop filtering after a certain size, but I know I've read some information that very small sized clams cannot survive without some suppliment to photosynthisis.

I do see your point about water quality, but my thinking is that this period of acclimation is stressful, so I'd rather try to give them an extra source of food. I will keep an eye on things and reduce frequency if it seems to be degrading the water quality.

Mike, also, I was curious about your lighting. From the tank of the month article, it mentioned that you run your MH for 12 hours. I thought that 10 was typical. Are you seeing some advantages to them being on for 12? I'm curious if it's something you'd recommend for other people or something that you are still trying.

 

[mojoreef]

Rob on the lighting, that was a type, the actenics are on for 12 and the mh on for 10, my bad.

On the clam, possibly for the transfer the phyto might be usuful, but at the size of the clams they no longer need it. Smaller clams dont have a well developed enough zoox population or the exposed surface area to support themselves. but by 3 inches they are good. Clams are also nutrient pigs, lol and have a means of absorbing P and N (mostly N) through thier tissue

Take care Rob

Mike