I was just wondering if some one could help me with what to look for in a clam so that I know that it is healthy. I had one crocea and it was doing ok for a while and then it kicked the bucket and now I am kind of skeptical to keep one. I have a 75 gallon with a TEK T-5 with 336 watts, or 6 56 watt bulbs. the lights are pretty new. calcium is 420 and the dkh is 8 and I am rising that to around 10. the ph is 8.2 any help would be awsome.
How can you tell a clam is healthy in a LFS
- Thread starter pondy
- Start date
you want to see the clams have nice mantle extension but not stretched way out to the sides or reaching up for the light. it should also have nice color, not pale looking or overly brown( this can be tricky depending on the natural color and species). the clam should have a quick reaction to shadows, pass your hand between the light and clam and it should retract its mantle quickly and then slowly open back up. also look at the byssal opening, it should be full/plump and a pearly white. lastly look at any other clams in the same system, if there are any sick,dead or dieing clams in the same system i would avoid all of them or at least ask them to hold it for a few weeks to see if any issues arise
camaroracer214
New member
also, make sure the clam isn't sitting on its side. sometimes when a clam is stressed or in an unhealthy environment it will tip over or easily get knocked over. also, check the in current and out current siphons on the clams. check to make sure they are open as well and looking healthy.
also check for mantle bleaching. sometimes this can happen if under improper lighting conditions at the store.
also check for mantle bleaching. sometimes this can happen if under improper lighting conditions at the store.
