t. max not staying put

[Randy V]

Hi Dr. Ron, I have had a 2 inch t. maxima in a small tank for a month that is lit with 250w mh and is fed a cap full of live phyto daily and the clam is doing well. It's mantle is well extended, is not bleaching, is responsive to stimulus, and has the glistening sheen of new growth on the edge of its shell. I just can't get it to attach and stay put.

It's happy during the day when the lights are on, but as soon as lights are out it jumps from the rocks or moves about on the sand bed. It also keeps its mantle extended during the night. I have lights on about 13 hours per day and I feet phyto just after lights go out. The tank turnover is about 20 times per hours and I guessed the problem was with water movement but I can't figure it out. Can you offer any suggestions? I've tried the other forums and received no comments. TIA.

 

[Robert Hoeck]

I'm having a similar problem and intrested in subject. Try moving clam into different locations to see if it is not liking spot. Mine stayed put last night after moving the angle it was on rock. I'd be sure rock is sitting on bottom of tank so if clam falls it's not injured. Your clam sounds healthy and should attach once it's satisfied with location. Good luck!

 

[rshimek]

Hi,

Well, obviously your clam is not "happy" with where you have put it. Unfortunately, I personally haven't kept these clams, and can not provide you with a suggestion of what habitat to provide for it.

I am moving the thread to this forum and hope that you will get the information you need here.

 

[simonh]

It is often difficult to find why a clam isn't happy in a particular spot. It could be light intensity, water flow, or attachment surface. I have sometimes found that just putting a different piece of rock underneath causes them to stop wandering and attach.

 

[SOS]

I have a baby maxima who is also moving about. Some days he'd be in the sand. Next morning you'd see his tracks leading to the other side. One day he's high up on the rock (didn't know a clam could climb so fast!) next he's on the sand again. Everything else seems fine with him. I'd always try to move him to try to find a better place in case he's not happy but he'd keep moving.

My girlfriend gave me the best piece of advice one day..."JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE!!! He looks happy "exploring" everything!"

I haven't touched him since. He still moves around though, but I've accepted it. Funny thing is, I've got another healthy max and he never moves.

 

[clamz]

after reading knops book on giant clams i think you should let the clam pick his own spot.