Clam health

Fish-o-holic

New member
Might be alittle early in the game to ask but what the heck.

I've had my max clams for alittle over 2 weeks. Both are doing great and their mantials are fully extend. Both have also attached themselves to rock I placed in the substrate. So does this mean I am doing something right and my clams are happy? :)

I want to get another clam or two in the new 2 weeks if all is well. Should I wait a bit longer before doing so?
 
2 weeks should do you just fine, you didnt tell us how big a tank or how much light and how far from the light, but if its attached your at least 1/2 way there.
 
As long as you parameters and system is still adequete in two weks (nbot sure it why it wouldnt be), Id say go ahead.

When I order clams online, I usually order a good 3-4 so it cuts down on shipping costs.

John
 
My parameters are in check except for the nitrate which are <10ppm. I'd like to get them down to 0ppm eventually.

As for the lighting, I have 2 250w MH and 2 96w 03 actinics. The clams are 25" down below the light.

While on the subject of clams, is a bit of gapping normal for clams? Both of mine gape (sp?) a bit throughout the day but then are normal the rest of the day.
 
Fish-o-holic said:
My parameters are in check except for the nitrate which are <10ppm. I'd like to get them down to 0ppm eventually.

I believe a small amount of N03 is good for clams. I've read somewhere (sorry, reference only in my head) that 2 - 3 ppm is good. Someone please correct me if this is not the case.
 
justletmein said:
I believe a small amount of N03 is good for clams. I've read somewhere (sorry, reference only in my head) that 2 - 3 ppm is good. Someone please correct me if this is not the case.

Your right on:D
 
While on the subject of clams, is a bit of gapping normal for clams? Both of mine gape (sp?) a bit throughout the day but then are normal the rest of the day.


From what I have read and what I have seen that is probably normal. My baby max does the same thing.
 
Pfittttz said:
From what I have read and what I have seen that is probably normal. My baby max does the same thing.
What about if the clam gapes a good part of the day? One of my clams did that for half a day today. I also noticed that it is starting to show some signs of a pinched mantel around the lower portion of the clam. Nothing is picking on the clam from what I can see. Sure hope it's okay.
 
Ok let me ask you a question. By gaping what exactly do you mean? Are you referring to the intake syphon opening wider then normal or are you referring to the shell opening really wide causing the intake syphon to become grossly extended?

I was referring to the intake syphon varying it's degrees of open "ness". I apollogize for the confusion there I should have asked that question before.
 
Pfittttz said:
Ok let me ask you a question. By gaping what exactly do you mean? Are you referring to the intake syphon opening wider then normal or are you referring to the shell opening really wide causing the intake syphon to become grossly extended?

I was referring to the intake syphon varying it's degrees of open "ness". I apollogize for the confusion there I should have asked that question before.
Sorry I wasn't clear. I mean the entire shell of the clam currently is wider than it usually is. Just the past two days, the same clam decided to detach itself from the rock it once occupied. Also leaving behind it's byssal. I was shocked and confused. :confused: :eek: It was fine for 2-3 weeks before that.

But previously, it was showing signs of gaping around it's inlet syphon about 3 days ago. Now both the inlet syphon and the shell opened wider than normal. From what I have heard, it seems to be a sign of stress. Any input???
 
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