Metal Contamination Clam Removal

[bvoss]

I have a sad story.

I had a tank full of very nice SPS and 3 clams. I dropped a 6v power adaptor plug into my sump overnight and didn't notice it. In 12 hours the metal dissolved off the plug and killed almost all my SPS. The whole tank was pretty much a total loss.

My clams looked bad, but with water changes, carbon, and resin, they seem to have pulled through. I am selling my rock to a guy with a FOWLR setup. The copper contamination will not bother him.

I now have to take my well established Croceas and Maximas off the rock. Would it be less stress the try to break the big rock with the clams on it, or should I risk cutting them off of it.

Thanks in advance for the help. I am ready for some good luck.

 

[Julio]

what kind of metal was it?

 

[bvoss]

Whatever the plug was made of. I assume copper and a little chrome plating. I was one quick and painful way to loose a tank.

 

[reelbadfish]

Yeah, most likely copper. Probably would be easier and less stressful to cut the byssal threads than break the rock. Sorry to hear about the accident. It's amazing how fast metal will dissolve in saltwater.

 

[bvoss]

It dissolves real fast when the adaptor is still plugged in. I cut the byssal threads and pulled him off. He was dug about 3/8" into the rock. They really do bore in!

So far he looks pretty good.

Thanks,

Bill

Bill

 

[reeferkid]

that sucks pretty bad