I am going to be purchasing my first clam this week. It will be a 2" blue maxima. When getting a clam could I dip the clam in anything to rid it of pests or do clams not carry any pests? I dont have a QT setup that would be sufficient to keep a clam alive so my only options would be to either dip it or throw it right in the DT.
Procedures for a new Clam?
- Thread starter Mrcote1
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You do not want to dip the clam. A freshwater dip would be a last case scenario for pinched mantle. I'd look over the clam really well for aptasia on the shell, pyramid snails underneath by the foot, etc. Make sure the mantle retracts to shadows and look for new shell growth on the upper margins.
KrisReef
10K Club member
I prefer to pick my clams from the LFS so I can observe the mantle for pinching and light change reactions. Slow clams, folded clams not fully expanding for the light are a huge gamble, imo.
I recently took a chance with a sponsor of R2R, @ https://pacificeastaquaculture.com/
The 4 clams came in healthy, no pyramid snails, mantles opening to light, closing for shadows, and the bysis/foot area operational and not torn, all 4 have attached well. I am very happy with what they sent so I felt compelled to leave this comment here in case you are thinking about purchasing on line?
I have my clams basking under 250W Phoenix MH, and they are looking pretty good after a month without any of the typical clam issues.
DSC Reef was correct about what to watch for and how to respond. If you are dealing with a good vendor/lfs hopefully they will have handled any of the dip & pest removal chores before they pass the clam over to you. The only thing you should have to do would be to drip acclimate the clam to your water. I would perform a water change before you get the new clam so that you don't change your tank parameters soon after you add the new specimen.
A nice clam can be a great showpiece, I hope yours works out!
I recently took a chance with a sponsor of R2R, @ https://pacificeastaquaculture.com/
The 4 clams came in healthy, no pyramid snails, mantles opening to light, closing for shadows, and the bysis/foot area operational and not torn, all 4 have attached well. I am very happy with what they sent so I felt compelled to leave this comment here in case you are thinking about purchasing on line?
I have my clams basking under 250W Phoenix MH, and they are looking pretty good after a month without any of the typical clam issues.
DSC Reef was correct about what to watch for and how to respond. If you are dealing with a good vendor/lfs hopefully they will have handled any of the dip & pest removal chores before they pass the clam over to you. The only thing you should have to do would be to drip acclimate the clam to your water. I would perform a water change before you get the new clam so that you don't change your tank parameters soon after you add the new specimen.
A nice clam can be a great showpiece, I hope yours works out!
Thank you everyone for the advice! I will certainly look it over for pyramid snails. (If I see any sign is that an instant no go, or with a little bit of effort is it simple to get rid of them and keep the clam healthy?). Krisreef that online vendor certainly is very fairly priced. Shipping is what always gets me though. I found someone local I will be purchasing from but will certainly keep them in mind if this clam does well.
Pyramids aren't exactly a no go, they can be removed with a soft toothbrush and thorough cleaning. Pyramids have even been known to come in on snails as well. A healthy mantle and new shell growth are must IMO
