Hi all,
I need help. I recently received to maxima clams (one 2", one 2 1/2") from Barry at ClamsDirect. I received them on last Thursday, September 18, 2003. I currently have the two clams in a QT tank. The QT is ten gallons with a hang-on Whisper filter with a poly/activate carbon filter. The filter was in my main tank for a couple weeks prior to using it in the QT. The QT also has a heater and remains pretty constant at 81 deg, and a small powerhead. I also added a couple of cups of argonite sand, new the day I added the clams. The sand was fresh from the bag. The light is 2x55 watt PC (one actinic "03" one 10K), on for twelve hours per day.
MY PROBLEM
I have high nitrates between 25 and 50 meg/L, and some nitrites, but no ammonia. I have been doing daily water changes of at least a gallon, maybe slightly more. The water is changed with water from the main tank and then aged, fresh water on alternate days. I have been feeding on alternate days, DT's and the Kent food Barry sells (sorry forget the name).
So, what should I do? It appears that I am getting a mini cycle. I don't want the high nutrients to hurt the clams. Should I just move them to the main tank? At the same time, I don't want to spead an undesirables to the main tank and my existing squamosa clam! Should I remove the poly/carbon filter?
I have reduced the light to ten hours per day. I could reduce the temp to around 78 over the next few days?
I have been trying to check to see if there were any pyramid snails or other parasites on the clams. I don't see anything, but I cannot tell for sure as the clams have attached to the bottom of the tank and I cannot remove them to inspect, and I don't want to stress them more than they likely are. The clams look happy. The mantles are fully extended and they respond very quickly to shadows. No signs of gapping or pinching.
Any Advice???
I need help. I recently received to maxima clams (one 2", one 2 1/2") from Barry at ClamsDirect. I received them on last Thursday, September 18, 2003. I currently have the two clams in a QT tank. The QT is ten gallons with a hang-on Whisper filter with a poly/activate carbon filter. The filter was in my main tank for a couple weeks prior to using it in the QT. The QT also has a heater and remains pretty constant at 81 deg, and a small powerhead. I also added a couple of cups of argonite sand, new the day I added the clams. The sand was fresh from the bag. The light is 2x55 watt PC (one actinic "03" one 10K), on for twelve hours per day.
MY PROBLEM
I have high nitrates between 25 and 50 meg/L, and some nitrites, but no ammonia. I have been doing daily water changes of at least a gallon, maybe slightly more. The water is changed with water from the main tank and then aged, fresh water on alternate days. I have been feeding on alternate days, DT's and the Kent food Barry sells (sorry forget the name).
So, what should I do? It appears that I am getting a mini cycle. I don't want the high nutrients to hurt the clams. Should I just move them to the main tank? At the same time, I don't want to spead an undesirables to the main tank and my existing squamosa clam! Should I remove the poly/carbon filter?
I have reduced the light to ten hours per day. I could reduce the temp to around 78 over the next few days?
I have been trying to check to see if there were any pyramid snails or other parasites on the clams. I don't see anything, but I cannot tell for sure as the clams have attached to the bottom of the tank and I cannot remove them to inspect, and I don't want to stress them more than they likely are. The clams look happy. The mantles are fully extended and they respond very quickly to shadows. No signs of gapping or pinching.
Any Advice???
