I Just My Crocea Clam

[tom-annette]

Hi Folks,

I just lost my crocea clam. My deresa clam seems to be OK. The only thing is he is not coming out as far. I checked levels PH 8.0, Nitrite 0 ammonia 0, nitrate 20 ppm, Calcium 540. I did find that the salt level was low. It dropped to 0.020. I usually keep it at 0.025. Because of adding the new rock I did not add any salt when the levels were going back to normal in the sump. In my sump I have a float valve that keeps the water level the same.

I have since corrected the PH and the salt levels.

I am thinking that the salt levels may have caused the problems. Your thoughts on this issue will be very helpful. They will help me learn from my mistakes.

Thank you

Tom

 

[reef 'n ale]

Hi Tom. Sorry about the clam!

Your calcium seems way high. Where is your alk?

How long was the salinity low before you fixed it?

Rob

 

[tom-annette]

Hi Rob,

The change in salt levels started when I added the live rock on Saturday night. It caused the water level to go above the float level in the sump so over a course of 6 days it dropped. I notice I lose roughly a gallon of water a day. I noticed the low level today.

I re-checked the calcium levels and this time I got to 26 drops times 20 equals 520 per the API chart.

Sorry I do not have alk test kit.

Thsnk you for replying,

Tom

 

[reef 'n ale]

Well, the low salinity for that long could be the culprit, but I'd still like to know your alk level.

Are you dosing calcium to get it that high?

If so, I'd back off on the dosing until you get it down to 400-450.

My guess is that the alk is really low. It may come back up on it's own as you let the calcium level drop.

In the mean time, you should go buy an alk test kit.

 

[phil519]

just seconding the vote to procure an alk test.

Here are some great articles on why measuring alk is vital:

Ph/Alk relationship (by Randy H-Farley)

Water Parameters by Randy H-Farley

Sorry about the loss - good luck!

 

[mbbuna]

hey tom. it doesnt make sense that you added rock and the water level went up so your top of didnt add fresh water so your SG dropped. if that the case you SG should have risen not fallen. you would have had more evaperation before replacing fresh water, so your salt content would have gotten higher not lower.

where did you get this rock?

was it ever exposed to copper?

how do you test SG?

what is you Alk?

how long have you had these clams?

what fish do you have?

have you started or stopped any additives?

can you post a photo of the clam?

 

[jswipes2002]

Your Clams

Your Clams

Your Calcium level is way too high. It shoud be between 425-450ppm. I would not say that your salt played a factor in this case. Get your Calcium level down. Perform more frequent water changes.

 

[a1amap]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10680047#post10680047 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbbuna
hey tom. it doesnt make sense that you added rock and the water level went up so your top of didnt add fresh water so your SG dropped. if that the case you SG should have risen not fallen. you would have had more evaperation before replacing fresh water, so your salt content would have gotten higher not lower.

+ 1, What he said.