Crocea clams and nitrates

[flfireman1]

I have a mixed reef aquarium and had 3 clams that I had successfully kept for about 7 months. About 1 month ago I had a copperbanded butterfly die in the tank that I was unable to get out. This caused a nitrate spike which killed both my croceas within a week or two of each other. The nitrate spike is the only thing I can see that would cause the death of these two croceas. All my other tank parameters are very table and within limits. The one gigas clam has remained alive and unstressed.

I did some water changes and got my nitrates down some but not exactly where I wanted them. They are still on the high side and I have ordered a de-nitrator to combat this problem. About two weeks ago I got a great deal on 4 clams and added 1 crocea, 1 squomosa, and 2 tear drop maximas (one being about 1.5"). All clams are fine except for the crocea which died within 5 days of putting it in the tank. The remaining new clams have shown an improvement in color and look very healthy.

My question is, are croceas more sensitive to high nitrates than other clams? Or is it just a coincidence that the 3 croceas in my display have died while all others are opening fine without any signs of stress?

 

[johnnybravo234]

Croceas are very sensitive. It could be a number of things. High levels of nitrate aren't exactly ideal for inverts. It could also have been an ammonia spike that weekened their immune systems enough for infection to set in.

 

[MrManz1691]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13372830#post13372830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by johnnybravo234
Croceas are very sensitive. It could be a number of things. High levels of nitrate aren't exactly ideal for inverts. It could also have been an ammonia spike that weekened their immune systems enough for infection to set in.

I fully agree. Clams in my Experience like dirtier water. I have had high nitrates and phosphates in my tanks and they loved it. However Ammonia, they die. Ammonia is somehting that clams are very sensitive to. If you had a spike there is most likely what killed them. I have had y nitrates at 100+ppm and my 5 clams were fully open and looked great where as the rest of the corals didnt look so happy. I would monitor your ammonia closely. THat is most likely your problem.