Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
I wouldn't bother disassembling your pumps and powerheads.
I highly doubt "heavy metal toxicity" caused the clam's death!
I highly doubt "heavy metal toxicity" caused the clam's death!
Concerned about my maxima...
- Thread starter GarSrtn
- Start date
ADS
New member
Clams are VERY sensitive to low concentrations of metals other inverts are not. Sorry, I have to disagree Gary. I would check everything before I write it off to another clam disease. Knop's book pg91-94. This clam may have had signs of toxicity prior to purchase and the stress of transfer may have resulted in it's demise. Or it developed toxicity over 4 days in a new system.
Certainly there are numerous reasons for why this clam may have perished. If you don't explore the possibilities you'll never know.
Adam
Certainly there are numerous reasons for why this clam may have perished. If you don't explore the possibilities you'll never know.
Adam
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
GarSrtn established his 60 gallon reef in Feb 2003.
I highly doubt that a toxic level of heavy metals have accumulated in less than 4 months in his system- but hey, you never know...
I usually recommend waiting to introduce a giant clam until a system has been running at least 6 months or so.
One thing that rarely gets mentioned- Tridacna can be sensitive. Especially Maxima's. I always recommend starting with a Derasa or Squamosa- and including a fish that eats clam parasites in the system.
For the record, I don't blame the 'clam disease' in this case, either.
But I do agree with exploring all possibilties.
I've yet to see any rusted impellers, but then again, I've only used Maxijet PH's and Little Giant pumps. Is there a brand known for corroding?
I highly doubt that a toxic level of heavy metals have accumulated in less than 4 months in his system- but hey, you never know...
I usually recommend waiting to introduce a giant clam until a system has been running at least 6 months or so.
One thing that rarely gets mentioned- Tridacna can be sensitive. Especially Maxima's. I always recommend starting with a Derasa or Squamosa- and including a fish that eats clam parasites in the system.
For the record, I don't blame the 'clam disease' in this case, either.
But I do agree with exploring all possibilties.
I've yet to see any rusted impellers, but then again, I've only used Maxijet PH's and Little Giant pumps. Is there a brand known for corroding?
ADS
New member
Thanks for the reply Gary. Unfortunately I speak from experience w/ 2 different brands-one the RIO and two was a Mag 9.5. Both pumps were actually running well and I decided to perform incidental maintenance. I noticed rust buildup next to irregular wear along the shaft. This may have been due to Ca buildup as is commonly seen w/ pumps running in a reef for months+. Or possibly a factory defect(?). I would have to defer to Randy on the effects of chelated and nonchelated iron but I'm sure this rust was detrimental to inverts and may have explained a mass snail death I had years ago. I didn't have clams in that system so I can't remark on their effect.
Newly established tanks also sometimes salvage equipment from old FO tanks treated w/ copper and other parasite remedies. This can also be implicated. I don't know if this is the case or not here.
I agree with the sensitivity of certain clams maxs and croceas primarily. Next followed by the size w/ smaller clams being much more difficult to keep in the <2in range.
The bleaching noted on this clam and it's sudden death may be caused by exposure to temp extremes but unlikely this time of year.
A cheap test again is to polyfilter the water as it exits sump to return to tank. Any metal or chemical toxicity should be appreciable in 2-3 days in the form of color change on the pad.
I have researched the disease theories and have also developed my own hypotheses.(probably the subject of another thread)
I do however question previous studies on water analysis from 'diseased' tanks after clam wipeout. I find it unlikely that there was no significant bacterial colony isolated from tank water in light of ongoing tissue necrosis in the water. That analysis is suspect to say the least.
Viruses as you know are not only difficult to culture but also $$$!
I doubt that type of analysis was done. Unfortunately the mystery continues. I hope this info is helpful and GarSrtn is able to identify the cause of his clam's death. Adam
Newly established tanks also sometimes salvage equipment from old FO tanks treated w/ copper and other parasite remedies. This can also be implicated. I don't know if this is the case or not here.
I agree with the sensitivity of certain clams maxs and croceas primarily. Next followed by the size w/ smaller clams being much more difficult to keep in the <2in range.
The bleaching noted on this clam and it's sudden death may be caused by exposure to temp extremes but unlikely this time of year.
A cheap test again is to polyfilter the water as it exits sump to return to tank. Any metal or chemical toxicity should be appreciable in 2-3 days in the form of color change on the pad.
I have researched the disease theories and have also developed my own hypotheses.(probably the subject of another thread)
I do however question previous studies on water analysis from 'diseased' tanks after clam wipeout. I find it unlikely that there was no significant bacterial colony isolated from tank water in light of ongoing tissue necrosis in the water. That analysis is suspect to say the least.
Viruses as you know are not only difficult to culture but also $$$!
I doubt that type of analysis was done. Unfortunately the mystery continues. I hope this info is helpful and GarSrtn is able to identify the cause of his clam's death. Adam
I probably did jump the gun on my diagnosis. However, it seemed to fall in line with what I've read. Most normal (sic) clam deaths occur over some time, often being attributed to starvation or poor water quality. Very often the owner reports having the clam for some time (months) prior to its demise. The few times a clam's death has occured within days, it has been the opinion of many on this forum that the clam was sick prior to its being purchased.
I had originally assumed that I had done something wrong to cause the clams death (including possibly not waiting long enough to buy one). Once I read the posts on this "clam disease", it occurred to me that my clam had exhibited those exact symptoms. Hence why I jumped on the disease diagnosis.
Again, I would like to know for what metals I should be testing? Will standard kits (Salifert) be able to detect metals within the range? Should I test at all?
If disease and metals are ruled out, how likely is it this clam was sick prior to purchase/delivery? Should I seek recompense/replacement for the clam?
I had originally assumed that I had done something wrong to cause the clams death (including possibly not waiting long enough to buy one). Once I read the posts on this "clam disease", it occurred to me that my clam had exhibited those exact symptoms. Hence why I jumped on the disease diagnosis.
Again, I would like to know for what metals I should be testing? Will standard kits (Salifert) be able to detect metals within the range? Should I test at all?
If disease and metals are ruled out, how likely is it this clam was sick prior to purchase/delivery? Should I seek recompense/replacement for the clam?
ADS
New member
Copper and iron are the 2 available to the hobbiest I was considering. Commercial devices can measure numerous metals but are expensive and unnecessary for your application.
Did you add any items to your tank from an old system that may have had some contamination or treatment? If not, I would question the source as you said. If this sale was hobbiest to hobbiest you may have some luck. Most (big)places probably
wouldnot guarantee after that period of time. Adam
Did you add any items to your tank from an old system that may have had some contamination or treatment? If not, I would question the source as you said. If this sale was hobbiest to hobbiest you may have some luck. Most (big)places probably
wouldnot guarantee after that period of time. Adam
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
GarSrtn- is that a type of Dottyback or a Black-capped Basslet in your aquarium?
leykis1o1- I'd move the whole rock if I were you- or else leave the clam be. I don't like cutting byssal threads. I never remove clams to feed them, either! JMO.
leykis1o1- I'd move the whole rock if I were you- or else leave the clam be. I don't like cutting byssal threads. I never remove clams to feed them, either! JMO.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
If you must cut the threads, try to slice them near the point of attachment to the rock. Place the clam on a shell or other moveable {smaller size} base because it will re-attach again!
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
GarSrtn- I was referring to the unknown purple fish in this pic of your aquarium lifted from your website.
Is this the same aquarium the {now dead} clam was placed?
The fish can be seen underneath the cleaning magnet near the top left backside of the aquarium.
Is this the same aquarium the {now dead} clam was placed?
The fish can be seen underneath the cleaning magnet near the top left backside of the aquarium.
Ahh. I see now. That fish is an Orchid Dottyback (don't remember species name atm). It was traded to another reefer at zooqi's swap. The other fish in that pic is a green chromis (there were two in the tank, they were also traded). All three fish were evicted before the clam was placed. Currently, the only two fish in the tank are the A. ocellaris.
I guess I need to update that pic. That pic is pre-refuge.
I guess I need to update that pic. That pic is pre-refuge.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Orchid Dottybacks {P. fridmani from the Red Sea} are a very desirable fish species to keep with Tridacna- they help to remove clam parasites. These fish are now available captive raised.
I just thought I add this update...
The seller contacted me (he had been away for the holiday). He's informed me that there have been no (disease) problems with any other clams from his supplier. His supplier, in fact, is fairly reputable as well.
The retailer felt the most likely cause was the stress of moving the clam (a few others here at RC mentioned stress as well). Is this common with clams (to be so affected by moving)?
Gary -
P. fridmani also eats the crap out of everything else that moves in a tank.
The seller contacted me (he had been away for the holiday). He's informed me that there have been no (disease) problems with any other clams from his supplier. His supplier, in fact, is fairly reputable as well.
The retailer felt the most likely cause was the stress of moving the clam (a few others here at RC mentioned stress as well). Is this common with clams (to be so affected by moving)?
Gary -
P. fridmani also eats the crap out of everything else that moves in a tank.
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holeinone1972
Team RC Member
So sorry about your loss. I wish I could tell you exactly what happened. From your email about tank parameters and tank inhabitants, all look good. I have no solid info for you, relating as to a guess of it's death.
Gary,
If you are able to make it to my trade, I would be glad to let you pick out a replacement, even though it lived well past my guarantee. Email me for other info if you are able to make it down.
Rob
ECC
Gary,
If you are able to make it to my trade, I would be glad to let you pick out a replacement, even though it lived well past my guarantee. Email me for other info if you are able to make it down.
Rob
ECC
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