Closed Maxima Clam

[hgsports]

I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me with a Tridacnid question. I have a Maxima, had it for about 9 months now, and forth epast 4 days it's been closed up (mostly).

There have been no new additions to the tank for months. I've spent a couple hourswatching and none of the tank inhabitants seem to bothering the clam. The clam is open maybe a half an inch and I do notice some strands of mucus strung between the shells on one end (as if it were irritated). I can find no signs of parasites anywhere are the mantle although it's tough to see. Unfortuntely the clam has attached itself to the rock and I cant check out the back for boring holes or problems from behind.

One thing that I noticed is that the Nitrate level has increased to about 2.5ppm. Normally it's not measurable on a standard test kit. Other chemisty values: ammonia = 0.0, no2 = .1, Calcium = 440, temp = 82F (cant seem to get this lower during the summer)

Anyone have any insight on what might be the problem?


Thanks!


John

 

[Osama]

I am not an expert on clams BUT a clam that is not opening up is not a good sign. Something is bothering the clam.
Try blowing away using a baster all debis from all around the shell and from the shell itself.
Try to gently detach it from the rock if the baster does not do the trrick. How is the iodine level I thought I read that clams need some iodine. Check your lights are they due for replacement. 9 months maybe time for new ones. Direct some water flow around the clam to keep all mucus etc flushed off.
Good Luck

 

[monkeyboy]

Most likely, it's being attacked by pyramidelline snails. If it's well attatched to a rock they may be congregated underneath by the byssal opening. Since they generally hide out during the day check at night, that's the time they will be most visible. It may be worth your while to cut the clam off the rock to try to remove parasites (if that's actually the problem). If you do, just cut really close to the rock w/ a clean razor. It also wouldn't hurt to throw a six-line wrasse in there to hunt down the parasitic snail eggs. Yum! Good luck.

Kevin