Clam is expelling white liquid

[mheiden]

My crocea clam just started expelling a white liquid from it's smaller hole on top. When it does this the larger opening further down on the clam opens way-up and the clam really squirts the stuff out. My water is now milky. It has been doing this for most of the afternoon. I did do a tank cleaning/water change today, so I am fearful that I did something wrong or upset the clam.

I have had had the clam for well over a year and feed weekly with various methods, including BioPlankton. I have a 150 15K halide over the tank. It is a 12 gallon nano that is very well established and has perfect chemical readings.

Does anyone out there know what is happening?

 

[James Yeung]

It spawned.

From what I read, the sperm/eggs (clams have both sex organs) can pollute the tank and make skimmers go crazy.

James

 

[mheiden]

do you think another water change is in order? I don't have a skimmer....

 

[mbbuna]

you need to change at least 30% of the water and throw some carbon in to your sump also.but you also need to figure out what stressed the clam to make it spawn,did it start after the water change?if so then take care to get the new water as close as you can in every way so you don't trigger it again

 

[James Yeung]

Yeah, I would do what mbbuna says and if you have carbon in handy. Since you have a nano, it would be really easy for you to change the water again the next day! Just make sure the water temp and SG matches your tank. Also, make sure the new salt water ages for 24 hours before adding into your nano.

I have 12 clams in my tank. If they all spawn at this momemt, my tank is dead b/c I can't make enough water in time. So I hope my skimmer can handle most of the probs.

James

 

[mheiden]

So, is spawning something that only happens when the clam is upset? I do know that I did a rough water change in that I rearranged my live rock....that might have stressed the clam a bit. But, my new salt water should have been perfect.

 

[acro-wrasse]

stress will cause them to spawn. Do the water change and most likely all will be well.

It has happened to me a few times over the years. Never lost one as a result.