Clam Hurt?

[Runner]

Ever since two heat failures in one week (one an overactive glass heater, the other an A/C failure in the house) got my tank up to 90 degrees F or so for 2~3 days, my clam has not been looking too well. It seems to finally have expanded out a bit again, but I bumped it last night and noticed it's foot is no longer attached. It has been attached to a frag plug, of all things, since I got him. Is this a bad sign? Anything I should do? Or has the heat damaged him somehow?

 

[cee]

Scott,
Wouldn't be too concerned about the clam not "planting" his foot as the smaller ones do move around occasionally. Perhaps he is no longer happy where he is. Pinched or not fully-expanded mantles are more of a concern. If the foot is the only issue I'd leave him be if he appears healthy otherwise. If he has mantle issues, I've saved many a clam by doing freshwater dips. I don't remember for how long, though, but it did help (although I had to repeat it weekly for a few weeks). Good luck and if you ever get a chance, PM me some of the details on your LED build. I'm considering by for $170 on ebay it is hard to imagine I could build it cheaper.

Dave

 

[Runner]

Mantle seems fine and is still "sparkly" in the LED lights. I just rested him back where he was -- if he moves he'll end up on the sand bed with less than 1/2 the PAR he has now. I'll keep an eye on him and see if he settles back in.

I sent you an email about the LEDs. The components can be bought much cheaper now than when I made my fixture. A lengthier write-up is on our club website.

 

[Runner]

Apparently I misdiagnosed my clam. I overlooked the significance of it's mouth gaping open since the heater failure. Apparently he was starving because the heat killed off its food producers. It died a couple days ago. I came home to it all shrivelled up and crawling with snails. Had not even started smelling yet. Had a hole right through the foot. Sad, but I'll consider this yet another loss to using a glass heater that I should have known would eventually fail. Sold totally on metal heaters with remote thermostats now.

 

[Engloid]

I think the most reliable route for a heater is a separate controller AND the separate dial type of heater. That gives 2 layers of safety. Hate to hear about the clam. Anytime you have a problem and need a temporary home for something, let me know. ...and with a tank the size of yours, you could just bring it over if the AC goes out again.

Btw, I have a HUGE 22,000btu window AC unit that I'm selling if you need a boost to go along with the central hvac you have. I'm only askinf $240 for it.

 

[Runner]

I think the most reliable route for a heater is a separate controller AND the separate dial type of heater. That gives 2 layers of safety. Hate to hear about the clam. Anytime you have a problem and need a temporary home for something, let me know. ...and with a tank the size of yours, you could just bring it over if the AC goes out again.

Thanks. I might have to add a second controller to my titanium heater. Things go bad fast in a small tank.

Btw, I have a HUGE 22,000btu window AC unit that I'm selling if you need a boost to go along with the central hvac you have. I'm only askinf $240 for it.

That's a bit more backup than I anticipate I'll need.