Squamosa Problems

[saltcreeper]

I have a 3 inch Squamosa clam that is not doing very well. It is opening but mantle lobe will not go over the shell. The edge of the shell has brown algae on it. It still has its color. Could this be the problem and if so what can I do to fix it? I have 2 maxs and 1 crocea that is doing great so I don't think that there is a water problem. I do feed DT's every 3 days. I have 2 400 watt Ushios and 440 watts of 03 actinic on a 120 system. The squamosa is in the bottom on a half shell I have had a lot of problems keeping this clam upright. He still has not attached to the shell he just sits in it. Any info would be helpful. Thanks

 

[toptank]

saltcreeper,

How long he been in your tank? If you just put him there how did you accimate him? What kind of lights was he under before you got him?

I know that is a lot of question, but with the answers we might be able to help.

Barry

 

[saltcreeper]

I have had the clam a couple of months when I first got him he was opening up all the way but I put him in my tank with the bright lights on the bottom and he never opened up much but I thought that it was because of the new lights. I don't know what kind of lights he was under I got him from the LFS and he was only there for a couple of days so I really don't know. He is still reactive to light but just don't want to open his mantle all the way and now has a growth of algae at the edge of his shell where it should be white.

 

[toptank]

You could try to get the algae off but I think it is your new lighting as it takes time to accimate them to new lighting.

JMO & JME

 

[saltcreeper]

Should I move him to the side of the tank where the light is a little less intense? Will the algae go away on its own? I seems that he will not open because of it. Plus I don't think I would be able to get the algae off without major problems plus the stress it would cause. His shell closes to tight also.

 

[toptank]

If you have just put him in that tank, yes I would move him to a less lighted area for a few days then slowly put him back into the main lighing.

No I don't think that algae will go away on it's own.

Barry

 

[saltcreeper]

do you think I need to try and clean it off?

 

[jim norris]

Hello,
Algae can be a problem. I remove algae this way. I use a soft bristle tooth brush (that was new). I take the clam to the sink and give him a good cleaning. Also check for any small snails (look like rice) on the edge of the shell.
Jim

 

[kevinpo]

I do the same as Jim. Be careful when handling it that the scutes don't cut you and you don't drop it.

Regards,
Kevin