Lost my new Maxima... Wondering why

[jalfern]

Had a 5 inch Tridacna Maxima (Solomon Islands.) Lost her last night, the day before she was starting to gape, and then last night she was really gone.

Everything in the tank is doing well (knock on wood), and my other clam -- Crocea seems fine. The tank is a 55g, lit by 2x150 DE HQI's, 8 dKH, 450 ppm Calcium, 1.026 salinty, 82 degrees. Haven't checked the Nitrates in a while, and with all my macro-algae and good skimming it has been LOW. Perhaps too low for both of the clams?

Also, I had to scrape some pyrimidal snails off her when I first got her. Had a large set of eggs on her too (think I got 'em all.)

I'm guessing its left-over stress from the shipping -- she was only a few weeks old. Any other possibilities? I had her on the substrate about 25" from the hallides... In an area of decent flow -- perhaps too much water current?

Anything to watch for with my Crocea?

Thanks in advance!
-jon

 

[jalfern]

Forgot to add that I dose w/ DT's about 3 times a week.
And that I saw a dozen or so copepods running around her shell, but I assume they were just anticipating a feast.

-jon

 

[Mad Scientist]

I would guess shipping stress,as all your parmeters seem very good and your other clam is fine. Alot of people keep clams in zero nitrate tanks and they do fine (although thier growth might be a little slower), so I doubt if that was the problem espcially for a 5"er.

Sorry about your loss