Phytoplankton saved my Maxima??

[jbittner]

I have tried to keep 2 maxima calms in the past year. I ordered both from Clams Direct (Barry is the only vedor I order clams from). The first time I tried (Last April) the max withered away and died in 72 hrs. The mantle started to receed and soon it was dead. I started fighting PM with my crocea's and atributed the maxima loss to PM. 2 Months ago I ordered 3 more clams (2 crocea and a Maxima). Soon after placing the clam in the tank the max started to receed again. After about 72 hrs the mantle was 80% receeded and the clam was showing minimal response to light. Here we go again. I had taken measures to treat the Pm in my tank (UV and higher carbon use) and none of my other clams showed any signs. I decided to bump up my phyto use (I normally dose twice a week). I started to dose Phytoplex in the morning and Phyto feast at night. I saw no resonse for 4 days and I was prepared to toss the clam the next morning. To my suprise the next morning the clam was partially extended and by the following morning the clam look normal again.

I cut back my phto feeding to once a day and he has been fine now for almost 5 weeks.
Just though I would share my great clam news.

It is amazing how you can get attached to something that doesn't even know you exist.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I dont know if i can agree that it was phyto that saved it, but it's saved- thats all that matters. Maximas are sensitive clams- it doesnt take much to get the going towrads the dumper.

 

[jbittner]

I change nothing but my phyto feedings. Either way I was just happy to look in my aquarium and see a max in with all my crocea.