Baby Maxima Clam Question

KKerm2 · Mar 1, 2019

Hello all,

First thread for me on this site! I have a 50g Waterbox AIO and recently added a maxima clam to the barebottom. The clam has been in the tank for about 10 days now and it still has not attached to the bottom. I am worried that the longer it goes without the foot attaching, the quicker I will start to see a decline in health. As of now, it hasn't shown any abnormal behavior and the flesh portion comes out about the same every day. Not too much, but not too little. I believe my mexican turbo snails continously knocking into it overnight is why it is struggling to attach? Unless my location is making it unhappy and therefore won't attach? Any suggestions on if I should do anything? Will try to upload a picture tonight.

Thanks!

Kevin

DSC reef · Mar 1, 2019

Welcome Kevin. The clam not attaching its byssal threads leads me to believe it's not happy in it's current location and the tipping over by snails can be irritating it. I would try to place the clam on a flattish rock on the bottom or if there is a nice spot free from falling into a coral on your aqua scape then try that. Make sure it's not in a too high flow area. New shell growth on the upper mantle is what I would be most concerned about as it's a sign the clam is growing.

KKerm2 · Mar 1, 2019

Sadly, I only have a spot the is a little higher than halfway up. It’s a nice flat crevice where I don’t think it can be bumped or tipped. I don’t run my lights any higher than 38% (Kessil ap700). Not sure if the maxima would be okay that high up though?

DSC reef · Mar 1, 2019

I'd give it a try. As long as the clam isn't in a crevis where it can't open fully.

reef lover · Mar 2, 2019

#Welcometor2r !!

KKerm2 · Mar 4, 2019

Thanks!

So I didn't move the clam to the rock spot yet, because over the weekend, I noticed that the clam was moved about 3-4" to the left of where I had it. I am hoping the clam finally moved itself to the spot it likes. It has now been 2 days in this spot and the clam looks happy. So I am going to leave it for now unless I see that it is not attached in another couple days or so!

KKerm2 · Mar 5, 2019

And of course last night, saw a snail go by and tip it right over. Moved it up on that spot on the rocks. Will monitor for the next few days now. Anything I should be looking for specifically? Being that the foot hasn't attached for almost 2 weeks now?

Thanks!

exnisstech · Mar 6, 2019

Maybe yank the snails for a while.

DSC reef · Mar 6, 2019

KKerm2 said:
And of course last night, saw a snail go by and tip it right over. Moved it up on that spot on the rocks. Will monitor for the next few days now. Anything I should be looking for specifically? Being that the foot hasn't attached for almost 2 weeks now?

Thanks!

Just keep a close eye on the clam. It will attach eventually.

KKerm2 · Mar 7, 2019

Thanks all, so far so good up on the rock. Hasnt been tipped or moved since. Hoping it is happy and attaches. Going to try and post a picture tonight.