Lost 2 clams, any suggestions?

[michael_in_nc]

I have tried two clams (maxima). I have lost both of them, but have not figured out why. My water parameters are okay (I think). pH ~ 8.2 - 8.3; Ca 400ppm; NO3 ~ 0; PO4 ~ 0; Salinity 1.0245; temp 78 - 79F

I have two 150W 10k HQI MH and about 200W PC actinic on a 75gal tank. I'm using a couple of Maxi-Jet 1000's for flow.

I feed my fish reguarly and also use oyster eggs, and Kent's phytomax and zoomax (about 2 -3 times / week).

All other corals (mostly LPS) are doing well. My only theory is that my coral beauty nipped at them, but I have never observed this, so I'm concerned that it might be something else?

I really want to keep a clam, so I was considering removing the coral beauty (if I can catch him) and try another clam. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[musty baby]

What was the manner of their death and did you check them for parasites?

 

[michael_in_nc]

The death appeared to be very sudden. The first sign I saw was the mantle pulling away from the shell. From the first sign of a problem it was only a day or so with the first clam. The second clam was larger (about 4") and initially the coloration seemed to be duller than usual. The opening in the mantle also seemed to expand. It's death after that was similar to the other clam. The mantle separated and it was dead within a day.

I did not check for parasites. I've been working with salt water for several years, but am very new to reef / clams (about 6 months). So, I wasn't sure what I was looking for or the best way to treat it.

I want to understand them better before attempting again...

 

[michael_in_nc]

Been reading about lighting on this board, and I've seen alot of comments that for 18"+ of depth, you need 250W or greater MH to keep clams on the sand (or at least some types). Any chance this is just a lighting problem? Doesn't seem likely since the death was so quick?

 

[deepbelow]

how long had you had the clams befor they died?? did it seem like the mantle was torn, what makes you think it was the beauty?? check your alk levels and monitor your Ph thru a 24 hour period about every 4 hours or so to see if any big swings are happening. maybe a clam that people have more luck with like a derasa might be better for a starter clam. good luck


B