Should I give up on clams?

[Flameangel]

10 months ago I lost all 4 of my maximas after the introduction of a new small crocea. ( I had most of these clams for almost a year. )Within 24 hours they had all retracted and died.

Yesterday I purchased a 3 1/2 crocea. It had been in ths hop for 3 weeks. It was "okay" in the store. I did notice that the foot on the back was mostly white but it did had a 3/8 x 3/8 inch area of brown. It reacted but not a quickly as I remembered my other ones doing. After I got it home and I had acclimated it over 2 hours I found that it was covered in flat worms. At that point I gave it a short (about 1 minute) fresh water dip. I used DI water and matched temp - I did not match pH. Before bed I did realize that I had put it in the tank with the value pointing up so I picked it up and changed it position. At that point the clam looked good and the foot was out a little bit and looked good. I did also notice one small (about 1/4 inches long) red snail - not white.

You guys know the story at this point. I got up at 6:30 and found the mantel completely retracted from the shell. The clam will not respond to touch and the foot has turned a little into goo, althought not bad.

So what do you think is the disease still present in my tank or did I just buy a bad clam?

Tank parameters are all good sp 1.026, Ca 480, NO2 0 NO3 5-10. Temp 80-82. Light 3 X 250 MH with 220 actinic - all other inhabitants are happy!

Thanks,
Connie

 

[Typhon]

What do you change your water with?? RO?? Did you every test your water for heavy metals?? The clams you buy from the LFS, you should be very careful. I have notice that clams can look perfect normal on the outside and almost dead in the inside. Do you know the parameters that your LFS keep their clams in?? Never buy a clam that just arrived from the LFS, make sure that the foot is attach to something (my LFS always attach a small piece of rock to the foot of all his clams. Makes it easier to pick from.) and did you introduce the clam to a dark tank?? The dip in fresh water might not of been a good idea. Actually you can buy something from salifert called "Flatworm Exit". That works great and it never harmed my corals or clams, but again I never dip them it in. I would recommend trying a harder clam, before going back to Maximas and Croceas. Try a Deresa or Saq..

Good Luck..

 

[Flameangel]

Some good thoughts! I did not like the idea of the fresh water dip but I did not want to introduce flatworms and I did not have any exit on hand.

None of the LFS around here have their clams attached to rocks - I can really see the advantage to that.

Do any of the online sources have better clams?

Thanks,
Connie

 

[traveller7]

If a clam only looks okay, you'd be better off skipping it entirely. The change, dip, etc., could easily have pushed a high stress animal over the edge.

Try these online folks:

Rob at East Coast Clams is an RC sponsor and has always sent me great specimens. http://www.eastcoastclams.com

Barry at Clams Direct has always sent me great clams as well. http://www.clamsdirect.com

 

[Flameangel]

Thank you for the links. I really do know better than buying an "okay" specimen - but it seems that we are limited to a degree here in Portland. I have never been thrilled with any of the clams from any of the shops - now maybe I am not going to the right shops................

I thought I might try an online company next time - but I still wonder if the previous disease is till alive and well in my tank after 10 months.

Thanks,
Connie

 

[Project Reef]

but I still wonder if the previous disease is till alive and well in my tank after 10 months.

Hey Connie, the 'disease' will be present in your tank if there is a 'carrier' clam that survived the original clam holocaust. Usually these are Derasas or Squamosas. If you did not have any clams in the system for 10 months, your system is clean.

For your recent Crocea, I personally think it was just stress that ate him up.

www.Transfishsupplies.com , If you are willing to pay for shipping, this guy has had over 20+ absolutely awesome croceas with the BEST mantle extension I've seen in a long time. He's had these clams in his tanks for over 2 months now I believe. He charges only 40 bucks for large ones 4"+ and I think 35 for small ones. I bought a nice 6" green crocea for 40 bucks from him, it's doing awesome. Check out his site and tell him Ali sent you if you want to try a clam or two out. I'm not sure if he lists stuff on his site so you may have to e-mail him... Anyway, just letting you know incase you want to test another clam out that is initially super healthy. BTW, I'm not affiliated with him in anyway, just passing on some good deals I've seen.

 

[ADS]

Connie-
Don't give up on clams. It sounds like you got a BAD clam from your LFS. There are many reputable online sources for healthy clams. Since you're on the West coast-contact Barry. I'm sure he can help you. If not I'll help you out with a new clam for your tank.
As noted above, check your parameters again. Look for metal toxicity and predators since these are the most common reasons for demise. Also try a derasa or squamosa next, then add more demanding clams such as a crocea. Adam

 

[BigDaddy]

I would also recommend Barry, at ClamsDirect...His clams are awesome, and he gives some of the best customer service I have ever seen...He does a wonderful job wrapping his clams and the ones I've purchased have arrived in great condition.

 

[shamoo1]

Sometimes I wonder why there is so much problems with clams.
My maxi has survive 3 vacations, 2 tank change, 1 tank clash, and endless tank arrangements. I had occations where my Ph were in the 9's and it just doesnt bother him. My personal feeling is, if the clam is not feeling well, give it some natural sun light.

 

[danmar26]

Flameangel, I feel your pain. Last year I lost 3 maximas and 2 squamosas that were doing great after I added a derasa from a reputable R/C sponsor.The derasa survived but never grew for the year and a half I've had it.This year I added 3 maximas and they were all dead in a month.I think the derasa is carrying some sort of disease and will have to go.I hope to get some more insight on my problem before I try again.-----Ralph