Pinched mantle

[whiteshark]

If, at an LFS, there is a really nice looking clam but also one (in the same tank) with pinched mantle, would that be a reason to pass up the healthy looking one? Is it likely that all the clams in the tank would eventually develope it; or is it safe to assume that it doesn't have the protozoa on it that is thought to be the cause of the disease?

Also, for treatment, I have heard that freshwater dips can be pretty effective. How long of a dip would be effective for a clam with this disease?

(This is all hypothetical. I don't have a clam with pinched mantle, nor have I seen one with it in any LFSs. I'm just wondering)

 

[mbbuna]

the lab tests the Barry N. had done, found that the cause was a highly contagious protozoan, so i would avoid any clams in the same tank.

as for a treatment, some have reported the FWD's worked, some including my self FWD's haven't worked. i cured mine by running a large amount of carbon in a reactor.

 

[whiteshark]

Thanx mbbuna! How long did you dip your clam in FW? How long has it been scince you dipped it? I heard that FW dips are effective for a period of time, but some clams became re-infected after a couple of months.

 

[mbbuna]

i recommend a 20min FWD, i haven't seen any benefits from longer dips. my clams have been PM free for over 5 months.(iirc)

 

[whiteshark]

Awesome, thanx for the quick response! :thumbsup: