First timer with a clam.

Lunas_dad · Jun 14, 2021

Hi everyone this is my first post, and first tank. It’s a mix of corral and fish. I bought an establishment tank, and the clam was blue and beautiful. When the guys moved the tank they put him on the rock. He has yet to open, and it’s been a week and a half. I moved him the other day, to see if air was inside, but nothing. He hadn’t clamped to the rock either. I noticed last week so white slime coming out of him. Yesterday he was open just a touch, and today it’s completely shut. The water was tested and is good. I’m at a loss, any ideas? Thank you.

Reefer newbie · Jun 14, 2021

Lunas_dad said:
Hi everyone this is my first post, and first tank. It’s a mix of corral and fish. I bought an establishment tank, and the clam was blue and beautiful. When the guys moved the tank they put him on the rock. He has yet to open, and it’s been a week and a half. I moved him the other day, to see if air was inside, but nothing. He hadn’t clamped to the rock either. I noticed last week so white slime coming out of him. Yesterday he was open just a touch, and today it’s completely shut. The water was tested and is good. I’m at a loss, any ideas? Thank you.

Do you have any idea what type of clam you have??? I know maxima’s like rocky substrate, and the tri’s like a more sandy substate. If he were to open up slightly again, I would pass my hand over the top of him so it goes from light to dark, that should cause him to close shut immediately(not fully). I’m not sure that a week and a half along with a slimy discharge, and no foot attachment is looking good. I would have to say it’s probably not doing that good. I also want to let u know that clams like alk especially, so make sure your alk levels are on the higher side. I’m new to this also, but have had 2 clams. The first not so good on my part, and the second one fell over and died. Not going to get another one anytime soon, even though I love them. Good luck

dedragon · Jun 14, 2021

Lunas_dad said:
Hi everyone this is my first post, and first tank. It’s a mix of corral and fish. I bought an establishment tank, and the clam was blue and beautiful. When the guys moved the tank they put him on the rock. He has yet to open, and it’s been a week and a half. I moved him the other day, to see if air was inside, but nothing. He hadn’t clamped to the rock either. I noticed last week so white slime coming out of him. Yesterday he was open just a touch, and today it’s completely shut. The water was tested and is good. I’m at a loss, any ideas? Thank you.

If it hasnt opened up in a week and stuff is coming out, it may be dead already. Any pictures?

Lunas_dad · Jun 14, 2021

dedragon said:
If it hasnt opened up in a week and stuff is coming out, it may be dead already. Any pictures?

Lunas_dad · Jun 14, 2021

This was what he looked like before the move.

dedragon · Jun 14, 2021

most clams will gape open when dead, but it could still have died like that. I wouldnt try to bother it really and probably let it sit there for another week or 2 before i pulled it and called it dead for sure.
For a new reef tank i just always ask this, how long has the tank been established (before you got it)?, what are the tank parameters (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, alkalinity, magnesium)? Are you using rodi water?

Lunas_dad · Jun 14, 2021

dedragon said:
most clams will gape open when dead, but it could still have died like that. I wouldnt try to bother it really and probably let it sit there for another week or 2 before i pulled it and called it dead for sure.
For a new reef tank i just always ask this, how long has the tank been established (before you got it)?, what are the tank parameters (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, alkalinity, magnesium)? Are you using rodi water?

The tank was up and running 5 years. that being said, I checked the salinity a few days after I got it, and it was at 33. I got it down to 28, then did a 15 gallon water change.26 now, its a 120g tank. my friend checked all the parameters, and they looked good. thank you all for the help.

dedragon · Jun 14, 2021

confused what unit are you using to measure salinity, 26ppt?

dedragon · Jun 14, 2021

It is also going to matter the exact parameters as well, on the forum most people trust exact numbers as parameters can influence other parameters in the tank. What test kit did they use to measure parameters and which parameters were checked?

Randy’s reef · Jun 14, 2021

Turn the clam sideways , if air bubbles come out that will be a reason for why it wasn’t opening.

Randy’s reef · Jun 14, 2021

Turn it sideways IN THE WATER don’t take it out

Lunas_dad · Jun 15, 2021

dedragon said:
confused what unit are you using to measure salinity, 26ppt?

Yes, I have the Hanna tester and it tested 26.5 at 79 degrees. My friend is pretty experienced and he had all the correct stuff too. My calcium was high, so I did the water change. 10 gallons salt, and 5 RO water. I make the RO water, and it tested good as well! Thank you!!

Lunas_dad · Jun 15, 2021

Randy’s reef said:
Turn the clam sideways , if air bubbles come out that will be a reason for why it wasn’t opening.

Should I lay him sideways?

Apollo7235 · Jun 15, 2021

I am no expert, but I think the issue is that you lowered the salinity. If you mean you lowered the salinity from 33ppt to 26.5ppt, that is your problem. Reef tanks should run around 35ppt or 1.025sg.

Apollo7235 · Jun 15, 2021

Here is a good reference for your tank parameters:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

dedragon · Jun 15, 2021

Lunas_dad said:
Yes, I have the Hanna tester and it tested 26.5 at 79 degrees. My friend is pretty experienced and he had all the correct stuff too. My calcium was high, so I did the water change. 10 gallons salt, and 5 RO water. I make the RO water, and it tested good as well! Thank you!!

This is extremely low salinity, (26.5ppt = 1.017 i think). Salinity needs to be raised to near 35ppt or 1.026