Derasa Clam Question

[BiGBOi]

I have a 2" derasa clam, and kind of new to keeping clams. I am curious if it is normal for them to close up for a long while, or is this a sign of something bad. This is the only time I have seen him close up since I have had him. (2 weeks) Any other time his mantle is out and he looks very healthy. I have him up at the top of my tank and has seemed to be doing very well. Any comments?

 

[toptank]

What kind of lighting do you have, T. derasa so not require high intense lighting. If he isn't opening then I would say that he isn't happy where he is. Are you feeding him or your tank? I feed my tank DT's every few days. Is there anything in you tank that is picking on him?

I would move him to your substrate and see if he likes it better.

Barry

 

[chewie]

I agree with toptank. I usually see deresa's on the sand bed not on the rocks. also try feeding him in a seperate container.

 

[GH Sniper]

T. Derasa is a sandbed loving clam. He may not be happy where he is at or something else is disturbing it. What type of light was it under in the LFS vs. what you have?

Some tank parameters/fish load would also help in finding a root cause. If they stay closed for too long they can start to bleach and could cause death of the clam. I hope you did acclimate your clam to your tank as well

 

[BiGBOi]

When the light came on today he looked like he was starting to open up. I will look at him later when the light has been on for a bit. Lighting is just 2x55w PC and it is a 20g tank. I tested my water and it was Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 0, pH 8.2, Ca 400 (kinda low, I keep it usually @ 480), Alk Not tested ( ran out of tests have to go get a refill today). He was only under PCs at the LFS. I feed phytoplan every day because I have a Scleronephthya that I target feed also. Like I said, yesterday was the first day he had closed up while the light was on. Every other day he has looked awesome and extended. Thanks

 

[BiGBOi]

Just looked at him again and he was closed up.

 

[jim norris]

BigBoi,
How long does he close up for? Does something (like a fish) go overhead? Pick him up and look real good for any rice snails more so around the edge of the shell.
Jim

 

[BiGBOi]

he is closed up for a whole day now. he came out for a little bit and he went back in.

 

[toptank]

Did you look at his Byssal and see anything? Do you try to move him when he was attached? Does he retract his shell when you put your hand in between him and the light? Try that.

 

[BiGBOi]

Never moved him while he was attached. Sometimes if I walk up to the tank to fast he retracts. He is somewhat out this morning. Should I take him out and feed him?

 

[GH Sniper]

If you haven't fed him really good then I would take him out and feed him. It may be that he isn't getting enough food or there could be an irritation factor somewhere in the tank but, the movement that he is doing is a good sign.

Have you attempted to try him in a little different spot in the tank? maybe move him a few inches from where he is now? may be a light issue of some type also.

 

[toptank]

biGBOi, if he is only 2" then it would do more good than harm.

If he is still retracting, then I would dare to say he will be ok, when they stop retracting then I start to worry.

Barry