Tridacna Crocea clam laying on sand

[seldin]

I have a 55 gallon reef setup several years ago with DSB, MH/T5 and lot's of live rock.

Parms, are temp 78-80 degrees, ph 8.3, salt 1.025, nitrate 0, magnesium 1300, calcium 400, phosphate 0


I have small amount of fish (2 damsels, maroon clown, goby) and assorted invertebrates.

I got the clam 2 weeks ago. I placed him in sand with mouth facing light. He has repositioned himself to a different angle. In addition, he is laying flat but his shell is open and his lips look like they are fine.

I have also (just in case), been feeding phyto plankton twice a week.

However, most pictures of clams I have seen them with the opening straight up. Instead mine sits on the sand. Not sure if I should raise him on rock. I do know that he has moved and seems to come back to this position on the sand.


I am trying to determine if I should place him closer to the MH in a higher position. But, I am unsure how to tell what he likes.

What do you think?

Thank you,

 

[Toddrtrex]

Do you have anything under the clam/sand for it to attach too? I prefer to keep mine on the sand, as opposed to on the rocks, which they seem to prefer, and sometimes mine will do that. Try placing something under it to attach too.

 

[seldin]

Todd,

Thank you,

 

[seldin]

Todd,

I put some live rock under the sand where the clam is. Wow!!!
The clam loves it. Points upward toward the light and has spread open wide.

Looks much happier (and so am I...).

Thanks again,