Hows it going everyone. New to the scene have had my tank around 5 months now, and have had a crocea clam now for almost a month and tonight I noticed that half of the clam is retracted and the other half is still out. I posted a pic if anyone can tell me is this normal or a sign of something wrong? I have yet to see it do this in the time Ive had it.
Thanks
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How long has it been like that? Something could be irritating it. Water params?

As far as I know just tonight. I am out of town and the gf told me it looked wierd and sent me this pic. As far as the water params everything looks normal. Not sure of calcium as Im not home and she doesnt know how to check, but I dont see how calcium levels being off would cause an issue. I did take the reading before i left and I was at 420, and decided to have her not do the 2 part dosing just in case she overdosed the tank not paying attention.

ph - 8.1
temp - 80.8
ammonia - .6
nitrites - 0
nitrates - 5
kh - 120

That's gaping. It's not good.

What would normally cause gaping. From what I read parasites cause this, but why would it be fine for over a month then now be showing signs? Would high phosphate levels cause a problem as I am having a GHA outbreak right now that I think is be caused by high phosphate levels.

I'm not sure I would agree with Thingdoer but I can't really tell from the pic. All I can say is double check params. Do a water change before anything else drastic. And clams can be finicky at times. Ive had my clam for 2 years and every once in awhile it will do something abnormal but then after a day or two it's back to normal.

Just remember that even when fixing problem go slow and thats why I suggested a WC before anything else.

good luck!

Are you serious? The picture shows a mantle that's no longer completely attached to the inside of it's shell. I mean that's a lot of white.

I wish you luck, and I hope it pulls through.

I think the issue is that you probably shouldn't be adding a clam at 4 months, especially if you've got nutrient issues, as well as a perfectly lethal amount of ammonia. What kind of lighting do you have?

Looks like pinched mantle. You can read about it, send questions and get really good advice about clams here. http://www.reefaquariumforum.com/

In the meantime I would do a 20-30 minute fresh water dip. It wont hurt the clam. If it's pinched mantle it may help. Use RO/DI water. Bring it up to tank temp and PH. Submerge the clam in the water for 20-30 minutes then place it back in your tank. PM disease can be brought on by stress. Good luck!

Oh and BTW. Check the clam for pyramidal snails. They are predacious to clams and literally suck the life out of them. They attach themselves at the base, to the byssul gland/foot. You may also see them under the mantle. They are tiny (the size of a grain of rice) conical shaped white snails.

Just thought I'd add, it's easier to see the snails after the lights are out. Good Luck with the clam!

I would be a little concerned about the ammonia levels. How long have they been elevated?

what kind of lighting do you have. Please tell me 150w MH if its sitting in what looks like a shaded position on the sand.

tell me you have PCs and we have the answer.

Hmmm, could be it's starved? Wouldn't all of the clam appear withered, retracted and wasting away? There would also be a loss of color from decrease in, or lack of, zooxanthellae.

Its under a high power led array. Where the clam sits is close to 300 par, which is equal to a 150mh. As far as color there is no loss from what im told. The ammonia levels have been up for several days no clue as to why, I have my gf on the look out to see if any snails or crabs may have died. Im having her do a 20% water change today.

ummm not really but ok.....a clam should not be sitting on the bottom of an LED powered tank.....

and when your dealing with different types of light you can NOT say that 300 par is equal to 150 watts of MH

that's like saying 150 watts of PC light id equal to 150 watts of MH......it's not

the ammonia could be a problem too..... good luck

300 Par is 300 Par. a 150 watt PC light will not hit 300 Par but a LED array can and will if built correctly. So yes a LED array that is pushing at 300 PAR on the sandbed is equivalent to a 150w MH pushing 300 PAR on the sandbed.

Thank you Bamato. Given the number of responses, I'm surprised more people haven't keyed in on this. I will openly admit, I do not own a clam... but ammonia readings above 0.0, especially above 0.5, should be of considerable concern.

Edit: Never mind, seems I need to read a bit more thoroughly before opening my mouth.

Allow me to rephrase what I was saying....



A single 20% water change will NOT do enough to help with an ammonia reading that high. You would need to do 6 20% water changes to bring the ammonia level to 25% of what it was. I think you need to mix up a batch of salt water and get crackin'....