Is this normal?

Droberts0724 · Apr 27, 2020

Juat got this clam yesterday and noticed this morning his mouth is open a little bigger??? It opens and closes just fine...but wonder if my 1.024 salinity is to low I have current marine lighting too low? Should I move him up a bit off the sand bed higher towards light? Calcium was 420 Nitrates 0 PH 8.2 Ammonia 0 Phos 0 nitrates .25 water temp 79.2 any suggestions or will it be fine?

minus9 · Apr 27, 2020

The clam looks fine to me, but by the look of your sand, I'm guessing your tank is rather new? Can you tell us more about your tank, how long it's been running? Do you have any sps? Can you rent a par meter or borrow one from your local club? What test kits are you using? Ideally, you want some measurable phosphate in your tank. Do you have any algae growth on your glass or rocks? Coralline algae growing? How big is your tank and how many fish? What fish?

Droberts0724 · Apr 27, 2020

minus9 said:
The clam looks fine to me, but by the look of your sand, I'm guessing your tank is rather new? Can you tell us more about your tank, how long it's been running? Do you have any sps? Can you rent a par meter or borrow one from your local club? What test kits are you using? Ideally, you want some measurable phosphate in your tank. Do you have any algae growth on your glass or rocks? Coralline algae growing? How big is your tank and how many fish? What fish?

The tank just had diatoms everywhere but my sand sifters keep my sand great! My tank is 5 months old...I have gonipora, alveopora, duncan, zoa, toadstool leather, cabbage leather, mushroom coral....all ok had a tank 1 year old that had a bad alk swing lost my euphyilla :( but all other coral is good. Just ordered Hannah kit to and doser to keep better track of phos, alk and calicium...the clean up crew just did an excellent job cleaning my rock....

Droberts0724 · Apr 27, 2020

Droberts0724 said:
The tank just had diatoms everywhere but my sand sifters keep my sand great! My tank is 5 months old...I have gonipora, alveopora, duncan, zoa, toadstool leather, cabbage leather, mushroom coral....all ok had a tank 1 year old that had a bad alk swing lost my euphyilla :( but all other coral is good. Just ordered Hannah kit to and doser to keep better track of phos, alk and calicium...the clean up crew just did an excellent job cleaning my rock....

The 2 sand sifters keep my sand VERY clean. All my other corals seem fine with the exception of the gorgonia tree...it's shedding...As you can see I do have some algae and diatoms onnthe back wall and glass of my tank.

minus9 · Apr 27, 2020

Your tank is rather young for clams, but that's not to say you can't keep them, it's just going to take some work and diligence on your part. Also, keep an eye on the flame angel, they can nip at can mantles. Diatoms are usually a sign of a new tank and they tend to disappear on their own as the tank matures. CUC can be handy during these times. Ceriths and aestrea snails do a good job. I would get a par meter or rent one, it will really help in placement of your corals and the clam. Tridacna clams need light, they don't need to be fed, but they do need the proper amount of light at the right spectrum.
As far as your original question regarding the intake siphon, it's normal for a clam to have a wider opening, especially when introduced to a new tank or system. It usually goes back to normal as soon as it settles in and your parameters are okay. If it stays open, it could be stressed and it's referred as gaping. I would dpi a lot of reading about clams, if you haven't done so already? Daniel Knop, James Fatheree are the go to guys when it comes to clams.

Droberts0724 · Apr 27, 2020

minus9 said:
Your tank is rather young for clams, but that's not to say you can't keep them, it's just going to take some work and diligence on your part. Also, keep an eye on the flame angel, they can nip at can mantles. Diatoms are usually a sign of a new tank and they tend to disappear on their own as the tank matures. CUC can be handy during these times. Ceriths and aestrea snails do a good job. I would get a par meter or rent one, it will really help in placement of your corals and the clam. Tridacna clams need light, they don't need to be fed, but they do need the proper amount of light at the right spectrum.
As far as your original question regarding the intake siphon, it's normal for a clam to have a wider opening, especially when introduced to a new tank or system. It usually goes back to normal as soon as it settles in and your parameters are okay. If it stays open, it could be stressed and it's referred as gaping. I would dpi a lot of reading about clams, if you haven't done so already? Daniel Knop, James Fatheree are the go to guys when it comes to clams.

Yes I read they need a lot of light...however I have a piece of Acro and monti cap that seem ok...but I will definitely get the par meter to see what the lights are running! Thank you for all your help :)

vetteguy53081 · Apr 27, 2020

Clam looks good. Parameters mentioned looks good. Do not disturb it. Being new, it is actively likely looking for a spot to anchor it foot, and opening and closing is good, and they should close when there is shade or sudden movement.

xjiang7 · Apr 27, 2020

I would try to raise the nitrate and phosphate up. First this helps to get rid of the diatoms, second clam will appreciate some nutrients in a new system

Droberts0724 · Apr 27, 2020

vetteguy53081 said:
Clam looks good. Parameters mentioned looks good. Do not disturb it. Being new, it is actively likely looking for a spot to anchor it foot, and opening and closing is good, and they should close when there is shade or sudden movement.

It does! It seems to be very responsive to the fish all around it :)

OrionN · Apr 28, 2020

The Squamosa does look good. Does it have white edge on the shells? The wider the better. This indicate that it is healthy and with good growth.

Droberts0724 · Apr 28, 2020

OrionN said:
The Squamosa does look good. Does it have white edge on the shells? The wider the better. This indicate that it is healthy and with good growth.

Yes! I was concerned about the white esges...I guess that's a good thing then :)