New clam - when will it open up ?

[gazpep]

Added a Squamosa clam ( about 8 inches long) to my 180 Gal reef three days ago. I placed it on a rock at mid-level in the tank, about a foot from the surface and under a 150 w Metal halide light. The water flow is reasonably strong but not direct ( Tunze 6100 stream).

So far he hasn't opened more than an inch or so, but there doesn't appear to be any physical problems or visible damage. The clam responds to light and movement by closing, then opening but not fully at this stage.

Is this normal, I'm hoping that it is just a case of acclimatising and he'll settle in eventaully ?.

 

[Reefcherie]

Hello gazpep,

What sort of acclimation procedure did you use before placing the clam in your tank? It should have undergone a slow-drip type of acclimation procedure prior to being introduced into the aquarium to allow it time to adjust to the differences in water parameters between your tank and their previous water.

If the clam is responding to shadows, that is a good sign. Personally, I'd place a Squamosa of that size down on the substrate for starters. In the wild, I know they can often be found among Acropora, strongly attached with byssal threads, but he may be happier on the substrate with a moderate flow.

Cheri

 

[derrikd]

mine opend up in hours fully

 

[mikeo1210]

Did yours open up yet? I just got one and was rushed to acclimate. Long story but had too much to acclimate at once. It was only a three or so hour trip for the clam but it was put in pretty fast. It does respond to shadows just not open yet.

Anyone know what roughly the bare min. amount of phyto for one 2.5" clam should be?

 

[Reefcherie]

Anyone know what roughly the bare min. amount of phyto for one 2.5" clam should be?

Not to take this thread too off-topic, but my method w/ a clam < 3" is to put the clam in a small bowl of tank water, in a warm, well lit spot and put in enough phytoplankton to just tinge the water green and leave for 1/2 hour - 3-4 times a week. The smaller the clam, the more I think frequency is important.

Rather than move the clam, some people do the same thing with a feeding hat instead. I never found that they mind being moved as long as they are still in a warm, well-lit spot in their own water. I put the bowl on top of the acrylic tank center brace, but not under the lights where it would cook.

This method and frequency has worked well for me. When I didn't feed that often, I lost one of my babies.

Cheri

 

[mikeo1210]

Cheri-

Thanks so much!

So when they get over 3" maybe feed the tank instead. Couple times/week.

Didn't mean to hijack.

 

[Reefcherie]

Cheri-

Thanks so much!

So when they get over 3" maybe feed the tank instead. Couple times/week.

Didn't mean to hijack.

From what I've read, all clams can benefit from some fresh phytoplankton added a couple of times of week to the tank. Mine seem to appreciate it (better color and growth). Once a clam reaches about 3", if given sufficient light, its nutritional needs can be met through photosynthesis. Before it is that size, its mantle is just too small.

Cheri