how am I doing?

T

tonkadawg

New member
Ok, got my first clam (1") about a week ago. In the lfs and shortly after I brought it home, it was open and appeared to be doing great. But as the days go by, it is opening less and less.

I have tried feeding it - put it in a container with DTs - let sit for atleast 30 minutes. During this time he doesn't open up.

My tank has been going for about 18 months now - it is an 18 gallon, lighting is a 250HQI 10K bulb. Calc is 460, alk is 9 dkh, PH is 8.2. I dose B-ionic and ESV mg on a daily basis.

Any ideas?

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oh yeah, forgot to mention - the water is still green when I take him out...

I am wondering if my light is too intense for him. Is that possible?
 
The light is not the problem. Have you checked him for pyram snails? Also, how are your NO3, PO4 levels? Are any fish picking at him?
 
Do you have him near light when he is in the container, he might be thinking it is night time and closes up if it is dark. Also it might be a better idea to make a "hat" to feed him with since the move from the tank to the container is probably stressing him out. Cut up a 2 liter soda bottle and place it over him, then put in some dt's with a turkey baster or something.
 
One more thing. If you are going to remove the clam to feed, you might consider keeping them in the bowl all the time (leave the bowl in the tank). This can reduce stress.

I keep my baby maximas in a bowl all the time and they don't even close up when I take them out.

I keep them under the light on the center brace of the tank - as Silverado eluded to.
 
I will have to check my no3 and po4 levels - last time I tested, they were undetectable. I do have a fuge, so any phospates could be consumed by the macro there.

The only fish in the tank is a yellow watchman - and he doesn't bother the clam. The snails and hermits leave him be too.

How would I go about inspecting for pyramid snails?

I don't want to keep the bowl in the tank - just not enough room, so I will try the hat idea.
 
Check for the pyramid snails at night after the lights have gone out for a few hours. Your best results are also if the room lights have been out. Then turn on the room lights and pick up the clam and bring him up close to the surface and check for tiny conical shaped, white snails. Should look like a grain of rice. Check under the shell scutes and by the byssal opening.
 
Good news!

When I got home this afternoon, I made a hat as silverado suggested. Almost instantly as I was adding the dts the guy opened up. I fed him twice and will continue to do so on a daily basis until he looks better.

Right now, his mantle does not come out of the shell like normal - it is more shriveled up inside. But as soon as I feed him with the hat, he opened right up.

Thanks for all the help!!!
 
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