Mantle stretching upwards, not outwards

[JSB]

I have a pseudo-black teardrop maxima that has begun to extend its mantle more upwards than outwards. My other clams seem fine (2 crocea, 1 derasa).
The clam is on the sandbed in a 24" tank, under a Radion LED fixture with the TIR lens to extend its depth penetration. You can see in the photo that the clam is growing (additional white scutes), but is not expanding horizontally as it once did. (I have had it about 4 months now)

My params 60 gal cube 24x24x24
Radion LED lighting
SG 1.026
Temp 78-81
ph: 8.1-8.3
alk 7.9-8.4 dKh
CA 460
PO4 .02
NO3 3
MAG >1500

I do have some pyramid snails that I am fighting with, but this doesn't seem consistent with the symptoms.

Any feedback?

 

[rajkovich207]

Bump, I would try to pm skinz and see what he thinks

 

[skinz78]

What fish and inverts do you have?

 

[JSB]

Fish
-------
2 A. Occellaris
1 Bartlett's Anthias
2 Blue/Green Chromis
1 Scopas
1 Six-Line (Pyramid Control)
1 YWG (pictured)

Inverts
-------
2 Brittle stars
2-3 peppermint shrimp
2 emerald crabs
2 scarlet hermits
4-5 blue legs
assorted snails

 

[skinz78]

OK I can see it better now that I'm home and not on my phone. You have a MAJOR Pyramid snail problem. Are you just relying on the Sixline for removing them?

You need to follow the steps in this thread and get rid of them guys.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/cl...eeding-nutrition-pyramidellid.html#post634782

 

[JSB]

Thanks. I used that technique, but I have a single crocea that is attached to a rock that I cannot get out without damaging it. I felt I had it all under control when I added the six-line. Sigh. I guess I am going to have to risk the health of the one, to save the other three. Back to the toothbrush. Thanks.

the sad part about this is that I took care to purchase specimens from reputable places, and took care to scrub every one before I put them in (for me quarantining clams was not doable). And still here I am.

By the way, If I could remove/quarantine all of the clams, how long could I expect to have the snails in my display?

 

[skinz78]

Sixline's don't eat snails very well at all. Try a yellow Coris.

Just take a sharp knife and cut the byssal threads from the rock and your clam should be fine.

 

[JSB]

I managed to get the small crocea out. It was worked in between a couple of rocks where I could not get at the bysssal threads. As I rocked it a couple of times left to right, it gently gave up its hold. No evidence of any attached byssal threads, nor did it appear I caused any damage to the foot. I went ahead, even though it was day time, and pulled out and scrubbed all four. (I had previously bought some "clam stands" to get the clams to attach to, so that I could move them at will, so I got the rogue crocea in one. No I can easily pull all the clams out.) After lights out tonight, I begin the long process of nightly scrubs. Wish me luck.

 

[JSB]

Sixline's don't eat snails very well at all.

I got the six-line on the advice of Fatheree in his clam book. But I think I agree with you.