When should clam open up?

THP

New member
I just purchased my first clam yesterday. It's a blue maxima. I put him in last night just after the MH went out. The sides of his shell were covered with some caulerpa which were quickly cleaned off by my blue legged hermits (bit of harassment but the hermits did not touch the mantle, only the caulerpa). This morning (lights were not on yet before I left for work) he was sitting nicely with the crabs now gone working elsewhere.

Just wondering how long after being put in a new environment would it take before he opens up. He seemed healthy at the LFS and the mantle was nicely expanded...no gapping or torn mantle anywhere. He also seemed alert and responded quickly to a hand moving over him.

I realize that it's still a bit soon but I've heard they will die quickly if there not in a happy location so, because of that, I would like to know how long to wait before moving him elsewhere.

Parameters? Am, Ni, Na, Phosphate = 0, Ph 8.3, Alk = 10-11 dKH, Calcium = 450
 
Clams open up pretty much almost instantly when the environment is suitable. In other words, they do not stay close like you observed. If your water is fine, I am thinking the hermits didn't only clean the caulerpa last night! If it has not opened at this time, I am afraid it's not just sleeping anymore. Of course, I could be wrong <disclaimer> heh, heh.
 
Well, I got home from work and my maxima is looking FANTASTIC! His mantle is nicely expanded and looking great. I think it may have been that only the actinics were on when he was introduced and then the hermits were doing their cleaning thing. Lets hope things continue to go well.
 
No. I'm working on getting a digital camera. My biggest reason for getting one is to take pictures of anomolies in my tank for advice....interesting how this reef aquarium hobby drives us to buy, buy, buy!!! As soon as I get one I'll be posting some pics. Thanks for your help Whisperer
 
Back
Top