Need Help - Clams

[freddie40]

Recently I have lost 11 clams. I would have sworn it was lights, lack of nutrients, ect.

Today I found the following on the bottom of the clam. What is it? Is it a problem? How do I get rid of it?

Dave

 

[mhaith]

kinda of looks like a chiton. But on a clam?

Was it on one of the new ones?

 

[freddie40]

It is a clam I have had for a few weeks. Could this be the problem?

Dave

 

[68RUSTANG]

I second the Chiton.

Dave,

I think you are correct with the lighting being a big factor in your clam losses.

I recently switched to a 14K 250W MH, and the clams did not like it.

Switched to a 10K 250W Reeflux bulb. Clams look great, and the browned out SPS are all coloring up nicely.

 

[freddie40]

Here's an update,

I have changed my 4 main T5 lights to an ATI AquaBlue (12k), ATI SunPro (6.5k), UVL AquaSun (10k) and UVL Actinic White (12k). For Supplementation I changed to 2 VHI SuperActinic.

If it is a lack of nutrients: I have been feeding the fish more and I added Fluorish Nitrogen to increase the nutrients. I did this on a suggestion by Jake Adams.

If it is a parasite: I added a six line wrasse. Unfortunately it made it's way to the sump where it will be hard to catch. I plan on adding another tomorrow. Maybe a Mysteri Wrasse

I am trying very hard to solve this problem, fixing all of the possible problems.

Dave

 

[Clown-N-Around]

http://www.clamsdirect.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=5d10e4307f03793b2931b7ea3da8d371

I would post in the Clam Predators and Disease forum on Clams Direct. If it is a clam predator, they have probably seen it.

Good luck, Dave!

 

[ZenMan]

Dave,

Are you using any reflectors with your VHO's? I may switch from T5 to VHO and am trying to figure out what I need. I have a 660 so I'm thinking just new ends and bulbs?

 

[freddie40]

Jeff,

You are right, just new endcaps and bulbs. Dang, the VHO Super Actinics are incredible.

Dave

 

[PotHuntR]

If it is a Chiton it does not look like they are harmful whatsoever. I think the one you see is just a happy little critter who won't hurt anything.