Is my Maxima Gaping?

[pokerdobe]

I brought home an ultra blue maxima, about 3" in size. I had originally placed it on a flat ledge about lower mid level of my tank, but it jumped off later that night into the sandbed.

 

Since I had lost my other clam in my tank transfer, I decided to leave it alone in the sandbed and let it sort itself out. When I came home from work, the clam had actually positioned itself partially shaded under one of my shelves...

 

I thought clams loved the light? Why would this clam choose to attach itself in an area that's partially shaded?

 

I am running a Nanobox Duo and the clam came from Radions at the lfs.

 

3/1/2015

 

Is my clam gaping? If so, can it be saved?

 

It started after a water change yesterday.

 

[PiscesFish]

Just throwing this out there, but it's true that maximas love light, but it also depends on how far away the lights are and where the clam is placed. For instance, if the clam was under Radions at the lfs, but the Radions were from a higher height but same spot as where you had your clam, then it recieved a different intensity in exposure. Then when it came into your tank, your lights might be closer to the surface of the water and so it recieved more intensity in lighting.

 

I would try moving the clam into more direct light, but if it doesn't like that, then I guess you can put him back into the partially shaded area and slowly acclimate him to the more direct light and possibly move him up in the tank.

[NorthGaHillbilly]

if hes attached I would hesitate to go prying him off to get him into the conditions that would make since to us. Id let him be. But Im not claiming to be a clam expert (theres a joke in there I wont look for)

[pokerdobe]

Just throwing this out there, but it's true that maximas love light, but it also depends on how far away the lights are and where the clam is placed. For instance, if the clam was under Radions at the lfs, but the Radions were from a higher height but same spot as where you had your clam, then it recieved a different intensity in exposure. Then when it came into your tank, your lights might be closer to the surface of the water and so it recieved more intensity in lighting.

 

I would try moving the clam into more direct light, but if it doesn't like that, then I guess you can put him back into the partially shaded area and slowly acclimate him to the more direct light and possibly move him up in the tank.

 

Radions were definitely higher at the LFS - they're mounted probably 18" off the water line there. My nanobox is probably 8" off the waterline. I just found it weird since I've always been told it's ok to blast clams with light.

 

 

if hes attached I would hesitate to go prying him off to get him into the conditions that would make since to us. Id let him be. But Im not claiming to be a clam expert (theres a joke in there I wont look for)

 

I don't plan on moving him for the time being. Definitely didn't look for a joke.

[GHill762]

if he's attached he's happy for now. IME they will let go if they aren't content in their current location. how "shaded" are we talking? partial shade probably isn't a big deal, if the whole clam is shaded that's a different story.

[pokerdobe]

if he's attached he's happy for now. IME they will let go if they aren't content in their current location. how "shaded" are we talking? partial shade probably isn't a big deal, if the whole clam is shaded that's a different story.

 

It's about 1/4-1/3 shaded? The area where it's not shaded is directly in the center-most area of my tank, directly under the nanobox.

[GHill762]

it should be fine. IME they let go if they aren't getting enough light, and it wouldn't have attached if it wasn't happy where it is.

[pokerdobe]

it should be fine. IME they let go if they aren't getting enough light, and it wouldn't have attached if it wasn't happy where it is.

 

Well then, here's hoping to the clam wanting more light soon - I'd really like it more out in the open for viewing. Seems like these things always find the most inconvenient spots to attach itself.

 

My BTA recently uprooted itself and has found a new home precariously close to my hammers.

[pokerdobe]

New update - is my clam gaping? Can it be saved?

[pokerdobe]

2nd Update - clam's detached, does not look like it's going to make it. I'm 99% sure it'll be dead by the time I come back from work.

 

I've elevated it to be closer to the light and I've skipped the usual morning effect on the light - Left it on, hoping it'll bounce back. Still reactive and closing when I touch it or something shadows it.

[gulfsurfer101]

Any updates. Did it make it or not. I've read threads on other forums where clams will gape for months, even tear in half from the inlet then repair themselves all of sudden. Just because your clam is gaping doesn't mean it's doomed like so many people believe. Hopefully it's not too late.

[APLATN13]

Mine is gap but retracts well. So idk just hoping all will go well...

[pokerdobe]

Any updates. Did it make it or not. I've read threads on other forums where clams will gape for months, even tear in half from the inlet then repair themselves all of sudden. Just because your clam is gaping doesn't mean it's doomed like so many people believe. Hopefully it's not too late.

 

This maxima did not make it in the end.

 

Mine is gap but retracts well. So idk just hoping all will go well...

 

Good luck with yours. I have another maxima that has a whole other host of issues - it looks like something(s) is/are eating the mantle? Not sure. So far I've had no luck with clams.

[gulfsurfer101]

I'm sorry to hear that. Can you post pics of your current clam and maybe someone here can identify what the issue is currently and better help adress it. Together we can work to help each other out and do our best to keep these beautiful creatures alive and well in our tanks.