Baby Maxima will NOT PICK A SPOT

phishtank · May 28, 2018

Hey team, I'm trying to figure out why my clam keeps moving. It looks happy wherever it goes, even when its managed to end up on its side/almost face down.

I got it three weeks ago, immediately put it on a rock at the bottom of the tank. It looked great, but every morning would be a few inches from where it was the night before. I let it find a spot on the bottom of the tank, then moved it just a bit once it was securely attached.

Since then, it has moved every night, but only a few inches and almost back and forth, switching between what rock it is attached to.

I've decided to stop adjusting it and just let it figure its life out but its starting to drive me nuts.

Any pointers??? Just wait it out?? Right now its just laying on its side hah

jda · May 28, 2018

Do you have a rock with an indention or bowl for it to sit in? If not, you can make one with some putty. Google Clam Holders to get an idea.

You will want to get it stable ASAP. I have never had a clam that did not settle down live for very long.

hotashes · May 28, 2018

I've got a maxima 1" blue/black colour which I've had one month and sits upon my reeflowers sand...

A.

phishtank · May 28, 2018

jda said:
indention or bowl

Haha yes!! That is what is so frustrating. It gets set on what I would consider to be perfect candidates with nice indentations and then literally will move to the edge of it, then next day be on its side next to it... ugh

jda · May 28, 2018

Put some other little rocks on both sides. If it is healthy, it will attach in a few days or a week. They really do want to be secure.

Once you get it secured, then I would get it up as high as you can. These need a lot of light.

phishtank · May 29, 2018

Okay I made sure to document this latest episode of maxima clam movement haha

1) Shot of the THIRD seemingly perfect clam cradle rock, and the impossible maxima in the sand next to it -- was perfect situated the day/night before.

Perfect clam cradle rock, the clam who can't be pleased

phishtank
May 29, 2018

This is the clams third option, the other rocks arguably even more perfect. He always ends up on...

2) Shot the clam and the distance from the rock... I haven't tried moving it yet, but would bet its basal threads are still clinging to the cradle rock. I don't know if the snails could be what causes it to move...?

How far the maxima ultra made it during the night

phishtank
May 29, 2018

I'm slightly suspicious my pistol shrimp might be involved, but there really isn't much evidence...

3) Shot of the maxima on it's side. It is a bit more extended than usual -- with its siphon also a bit more extended. The light illuminating the inside of the shell freaked me out at first, but upon close inspection everything seems fine.

Shot of the maxima on its side

phishtank
May 29, 2018

It is just a tad bit more open then usual, with is siphon extended a bit more as well... the...

jda · May 29, 2018

Bury that rock in the sand so that the top is flush. Then, set the clam back on it. Then, put some small rocks on both sides.

reef lover · May 29, 2018

Ime if they'e moving around its flow or light related...make sure the flow hits him straight on with the inhalant siphon getting hit first and resting lower than the exhaling siphon. That way the clams taking in fresh water and his waste is getting expelled and blown behind him....hope this helps.

phishtank · May 29, 2018

reef lover said:
Ime if they'e moving around its flow or light related...make sure the flow hits him straight on with the inhalant siphon getting hit first and resting lower than the exhaling siphon. That way the clams taking in fresh water and his waste is getting expelled and blown behind him....hope this helps.

Hey!! Thanks I’ll do this immediately.. one question: is the noodle looking part the exit or entrance? Intuition says it’s an exit but I want to be safe : )