Not So Good Morning

[skuttduck]

I've had a couple clams die, but they have never just been picked clean like that. I could see the mantles retract and take several days to a week to die.

[ReeferRob]

I've had a couple clams die, but they have never just been picked clean like that. I could see the mantles retract and take several days to a week to die.

I think I starved my invert pretty good over the past week. With the cyno problem I've drastically cut down on the feeding and that may contribute to the quick cleaning.

[skuttduck]

I think I starved my invert pretty good over the past week. With the cyno problem I've drastically cut down on the feeding and that may contribute to the quick cleaning.

I never do any phyto in my tank. The only nutrients they get are the formula one pellets once a day, and the light from the metal halide lights.

Had my Squamosa for about 4 years now. The other two maxima's died.

Far as I know if you are scraping the glass, then you don't need to dose anything.

[ReeferRob]

I never do any phyto in my tank. The only nutrients they get are the formula one pellets once a day, and the light from the metal halide lights.

Had my Squamosa for about 4 years now. The other two maxima's died.

Far as I know if you are scraping the glass, then you don't need to dose anything.

Yes and no. I was actually referring to the cleaner shrimp being so hungry as well as the hermit.

The bigger the clam the more efficient they are at using photosynthesis, but under 3" which most maximas are these days they do need to be supplemented with phyto. I add a squirt or two once maybe twice a week for now. Although I have cut down quite a bit like I had mentioned earlier.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I think you have the culprit(s) identified.

Hungry arthropods + dying clam = clean clam shell.

When did you get the clam? If it was in the last month or two it may have been an injury to the byssal gland between the culturing facility and your tank.

Oh and you have an impressive regiment to prevent unwanted introductions. Very wise.

[ReeferRob]

I think you have the culprit(s) identified.

Hungry arthropods + dying clam = clean clam shell.

When did you get the clam? If it was in the last month or two it may have been an injury to the byssal gland between the culturing facility and your tank.

Oh and you have an impressive regiment to prevent unwanted introductions. Very wise.

Thanks Tom, I'm not messing around this time around the block!!! I had the clam about one month. It is possible it injured itself as it never seemed to find a place it liked. It was constantly on the move. Where as my other four clams snuggled in first day and haven't moved yet.

[at]

I have had 3 or 4 clams die over the years and they were always an empty clean shell by morning

[thefishgirl]

Hey Rob,
Sorry to hear about your clam. I'm still catching up on posts after being out for a week... How's everything looking now?

[whitetiger61]

wow that clam shell is clean..sorry Rob..i like clams..but i dont have the lighting for them..

Rick

[stunreefer]

Clams are absolutley irrisistable to critters like crabs, shrimp and snails once they start to even remotely go downhill. Once the clam doesn't have enough energy to fend off predators (i.e., stay shut), it's feeding time! It is amazing how fast these guys go to work. The scent a dying clam gives off will attract pretty much everything in your reef to come and have a party.

FWIW, you can dip clams in FW with no ill effects as you would dip new corals in TMPCC or the like. It will kill off pyrimad snails and other clam eating invertabrates yet leave the clam unscathed. In your situation I'm not sure what caused your clams demise, but I can assure you it was your efficient C.U.C. that took care of it in the end.