Looking for help with my first Maxima

Rpc07 · Sep 1, 2019

I’m new to clams but not reefing. Current tank is just shy of 2 years and grows everything from zoas to acros.

My issue is the clam has been in its current spot for 2-3 days and has only opened slightly more then the picture. The clam is not stuck to the epoxy I made an imprint in the epoxy and let it dry to use as a cradle.

My current parameters are

Alk-8.5
Cal-450
Mag-1450
Sg-1.026
P04-0.05
N03-4ppm
The clam is sitting in 170-180 par

Should I be worried the way it currently looks? Should I do anything?

User1 · Sep 1, 2019

Nice tank. Where did you purchase it from?

reef lover · Sep 1, 2019

If its only been a cple days id give it a few more.

Brad Miller · Sep 8, 2019

@Rpc07
How’s the clam doing ?

Bleigh · Sep 8, 2019

Pretty clam! I don’t know much about them but am looking at them myself. Hope it opened up for ya!

Rpc07 · Sep 9, 2019

Brad Miller said:
@Rpc07
How’s the clam doing ?

@Brad Miller unfortunately I don’t think it’s doing any better. It’s been pretty Closed up the past few days. It still responds to phyto and light but I’m not sure if it’s going to make it.

Brad Miller · Sep 10, 2019

I gut be wrong but it looks like you epoxied it to that rock, is that just the picture ?

Rpc07 · Sep 10, 2019

Brad Miller said:
I gut be wrong but it looks like you epoxied it to that rock, is that just the picture ?

I created a cradle with the epoxy. The clam isnt actually attached to it just sitting on it.

Brad Miller · Sep 10, 2019

It could be that he can’t open up or doesn’t like that.
Did he attach himself to it ?
If he didn’t, he’s probably not happy there and can’t move for some reason

Rpc07 · Sep 10, 2019

Brad Miller said:
It could be that he can’t open up or doesn’t like that.
Did he attach himself to it ?
If he didn’t, he’s probably not happy there and can’t move for some reason

I’m not sure if it’s attached I’ve been leaving it alone, I will check tonight if it’s attached or if there are restrictions on it’s movement.

hart24601 · Sep 10, 2019

I don't see any white growth on the shell margin, not a great sign overall. You can keep an eyeout for any fish that might be nipping on the mantle. Some fish that are 'safe' are hit and miss with clams like tangs, you can set a time lapse phone to see over the day as it can only take a few nibbles a day. Apart from that there isn't really much you can do, just not fuss with it.

Joel B. · Sep 10, 2019

That clam looks like it is gaping and does not appear long for this world unfortunately. I would be surprised if he made it to the weekend. It does look like maybe he wasn't in the best condition when you got him based off the lack of new shell growth considering his apparent size from the first picture. FWIW I've never had any luck with Maximas at under 250 PAR and I keep mine in 350+.

Nasir · Sep 10, 2019

You shouldn’t glue down or put anything chemical on or next to the Clams foot. Also remember clams eat by filtering the water. The epoxy could have been giving off a chemical that the clam was filtering. I hate to say it but once a clam starts down that road they usually die quickly. You should have just put him in the sand or found a rock that would naturally hold him.