Clam issue

[rjcranor]

This is my clam. I have this dark green bristle like grass in a few places on my rocks. A few days ago my clam started moving down the rock like it's moving away from the light. Lights are about 7 months old. While I was repositioning the rock with the clam on it. I noticed that some of the bristle stuff has gotten on the side of my clam. This stuff is hard to get off the rocks. Could it cause a issue with the clam.

 

[rjcranor]

No ideas or input

 

[Viperdoug]

I have a section of this in my tank. It is called turf algae. I have no idea though if it is harmful to your clam. Stuff is very tough to remove.

 

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Sounds like you moved the rock the clam is on. If so, then that's my guess as to why the clam is changing position. Either the flow or lighting is different enough for the clam to want to move. I doubt that the algae is the problem.

Tom

 

[rjcranor]

It was moving on the rock before I repositioned it. I'll have to see if I can use a razor to remove the turf algae off the shell.

 

[skinz78]

The algae shouldn't cause any issues with the clam.

 

[rjcranor]

Even if it's along the edge by the mantle?

 

[rjcranor]

Skinz78 do you know why it would be moving? When I first placed it. It's mantle was extending like it was reaching for more light. So I moved it up in the tank. It had been there for several months.

 

[skinz78]

What fish and inverts do you have in the tank? I wonder if you may have a Tang or similar algae eating fish that may be picking on the algae and actually pulling on the clam making it move it's position?

 

[rjcranor]

I've actually watched it move. I have a mated pair of percula clowns a Allen's damsel and a watchman goby. And a peppermint shrimp. It's a 50 gallon tank with t 5 lights. I can reposition where its upright and almost immediately it will start back down the side where its sideways again. At the end of the year I'm hoping to switch to programmable LEDs.

 

[rjcranor]

I just noticed on the back side of the rock by its foot there is some of the turf algae or whatever it is. Maybe it's trying to move away from it.

 

[rjcranor]

I've heard you should use ice to get a clam to release from its rock. I tried that awhile ago it appeared to be pieces floating away by it's foot. Was concerned that it might be freezing and damaging it. There is quite a bit of this algae on this rock. Would like to relocate it if the algae is disturbing it.

 

[rjcranor]

Any other suggestions?

 

[skinz78]

Ice doesn't work. Take a sharp knife and cut the byssal threads as close to the rock as possible. It shouldn't hurt the clam at all.

 

[rjcranor]

I'm not sure I want to try that its set itself pretty good on a coarse rock.

 

[Naiad]

Hey I got on here to see this pic and forum :smile:. How big is the clam? Its color looks good so I don't think it is a light issue.

 

[rjcranor]

It's around 3-3 1/2". Like I said it looks normal, just started moving to the face of the rock instead of on top.

 

[rjcranor]

It's color was better in the LFS. I think they had LEDs. I have geissman bulbs in my fixture. I hope to get programmable LEDs after Christmas.

 

[rjcranor]

This is another picture of it before it started moving.

 

[Naiad]

Do you feed your clam? 3 1/2 in is just at that generalized size where their mantle is large enough to generate enough photosynthesis for life. He may be looking for food if he is still finding his photosynthesis a little lacking. Mine is about the same size so I just give the whole tank a bit of phyto ever couple days to supplement him.