Clam moving up to 2 feet per week!

pjr · 03/27/2002, 11:06 PM

I have recently been adding clams to my Breeder 50 reef. Lighting is 250W PFO HQI ballast. Bulb was a 20K radium. I added the first clam, a 3" Squmosa, about 4 months ago. He's was looking peeked, so I changed the bulb to a Aqualine 10K, which is very white. The clam is very healthy, grown about 1/2" since then. No feedings other than Bionic and anything the fish don't eat.

I added a second sqamosa, about 4" long and a very thick body. He's exhibited strange behavior over the past few weeks --- he moves along the front glass from left to right over a 2 foot path. Then, after a week, he goes back the other direction. He's traveled to and forth about 3 times. He will often "snap" during the day then re-open a few seconds later.

I am not a clam expert... he seems healthy, opens well, good color.

I added 3 baby clams (1 1/4") last week. One of them has moved UP the front glass and is attached there!

Does anyone have theories on this behavior?

toptank · 03/27/2002, 11:34 PM

Normally when they move like that, they are looking for a place where they are happy. How is your current?

With the baby I would feed him with DT's at least 3 times a week. Feeding at that size is more important than lights and there symbiotic algae living in there mantles hasn't really developed yet.

Get a small bowl and put some of your tank water out and pour in a little DT's just to make the water turn a little green and put baby in for 20 - 30 minutes and the water will clear and back into the tank.

Hope this helped.

Barry

pjr · 03/28/2002, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toptank
Normally when they move like that, they are looking for a place where they are happy. How is your current?

With the baby I would feed him with DT's at least 3 times a week. Feeding at that size is more important than lights and there symbiotic algae living in there mantles hasn't really developed yet.

Get a small bowl and put some of your tank water out and pour in a little DT's just to make the water turn a little green and put baby in for 20 - 30 minutes and the water will clear and back into the tank.

Hope this helped.

Barry

Thanks for the response Barry. By the way, the clams on your site are great! I am VERY sure that one I get things sorted out here, I'll be talking to you! By the way, in your photos, I see those what rings under the clam (to keep them from attaching I assume). What are they? Looks like "slices" of PVC pipe.

I will get DTs and start feeding. That's great advice. My water current is on the low side. Do they prefer higher current?

Just a thought: Could bristleworms make the clams act this way? I saw a few at the back of the tank, maybe they are bugging the clams?

Thanks!

toptank · 03/28/2002, 09:35 AM

Yes I use PVC ring so they won't attach to the egg crate.

Clams light a lower current as I thought maybe your were getting to much and they were trying to get away from it.

Yes the worms should could make them react that way. A six line wrasse will help keep those parasites under control.

As far as your other comment, anytime you are ready.

03/27/2002, 11:06 PM	#1
pjr Moved On Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Northville, MI Posts: 1,288	Clam moving up to 2 feet per week! I have recently been adding clams to my Breeder 50 reef. Lighting is 250W PFO HQI ballast. Bulb was a 20K radium. I added the first clam, a 3" Squmosa, about 4 months ago. He's was looking peeked, so I changed the bulb to a Aqualine 10K, which is very white. The clam is very healthy, grown about 1/2" since then. No feedings other than Bionic and anything the fish don't eat. I added a second sqamosa, about 4" long and a very thick body. He's exhibited strange behavior over the past few weeks --- he moves along the front glass from left to right over a 2 foot path. Then, after a week, he goes back the other direction. He's traveled to and forth about 3 times. He will often "snap" during the day then re-open a few seconds later. I am not a clam expert... he seems healthy, opens well, good color. I added 3 baby clams (1 1/4") last week. One of them has moved UP the front glass and is attached there! Does anyone have theories on this behavior?

03/27/2002, 11:34 PM	#2
toptank Moved On Join Date: May 2000 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,327	Normally when they move like that, they are looking for a place where they are happy. How is your current? With the baby I would feed him with DT's at least 3 times a week. Feeding at that size is more important than lights and there symbiotic algae living in there mantles hasn't really developed yet. Get a small bowl and put some of your tank water out and pour in a little DT's just to make the water turn a little green and put baby in for 20 - 30 minutes and the water will clear and back into the tank. Hope this helped. Barry

03/28/2002, 09:35 AM	#4
toptank Moved On Join Date: May 2000 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,327	Yes I use PVC ring so they won't attach to the egg crate. Clams light a lower current as I thought maybe your were getting to much and they were trying to get away from it. Yes the worms should could make them react that way. A six line wrasse will help keep those parasites under control. As far as your other comment, anytime you are ready.