My 5 year old derasa is dying. Frustrating

[G_Lows]

I’ve had this clam for 5 years now. I’ve grown it from 3 inches I’d say and have had it in 3 different tanks. It’s always been bullet proof for a clam. I’ve noticed it hasn’t looked very good the past few days and today it’s bad. No clue what’s going on. I’ve had some issues with this tank (8 months old) but as of lately it’s been turning around and now this.. so frustrating. Pics are from 5 years ago, 3 weeks ago, and today.

 

[Retro Reefer]

That’s heartbreaking.. have you checked it for pest pyramid snails?

 

[Aframereef]

Have you tested your water parameters . I lost mine years ago after adding GFO to the tank.

 

[Phycodurus]

how’s the clam? (i’m afraid to ask tbh) ... fingers crossed! (>__<)’

clam gurus: are freshwater dips (acclimated for temp & matching tank pH) and/or running activated carbon still highly recommended to help ailing clams?

(not meaning to hijack this thread but seems appropriate to bring it up here)

 

[reef lover]

Fw dips are appropriate for pinched mantle. But i donr see that here...hoping for the best.

 

[Joel B.]

FW dips tend to be a last resort item. Carbon is still recommended, GFO is not recommended. In the instance of the clam in these pictures, I've never seen one recover that was that far gone sadly. Given that it went downhill so fast, It was probably having problems for a while, and may have been related to whatever problems you were having with the new tank.

 

[G_Lows]

No pyramid snails. Clam is still hanging on. I’ve been running carbon. Is it possible for it to come back or should I cut my losses and prepare the burial services?

 

[reef lover]

Sorry,he is dying. But they hang right on til the end...i wouldnt remove him until he is no longer reactive.

 

[RedSea500MaxS]

Sorry hard to replace nature. They eat or not. You did get job....sorry not a clam expert just share your sorrow.

 

[dwest]

No pyramid snails. Clam is still hanging on. I’ve been running carbon. Is it possible for it to come back or should I cut my losses and prepare the burial services?

How long has your tank been bare bottom? I recently lost a large derasa out of the blue that I had for about 7 years. It made no sense as everything else, including acropora, were doing well. I removed my sand about 6-9 months earlier when dealing with dinos. I always wondered if he spent too much energy trying to keep upright on the bare bottom, versus being cradled by sand. Anyway, I hope yours makes it, but it does look grim. Good luck.

 

[G_Lows]

How long has your tank been bare bottom? I recently lost a large derasa out of the blue that I had for about 7 years. It made no sense as everything else, including acropora, were doing well. I removed my sand about 6-9 months earlier when dealing with dinos. I always wondered if he spent too much energy trying to keep upright on the bare bottom, versus being cradled by sand. Anyway, I hope yours makes it, but it does look grim. Good luck.

This tank has been bare bottom when I set it up In January 2019. Before that it was in a buddy’s BB tank for 3-4 months while I set up this tank, before that I had sand in the tank I tore down where it was at for 3 or so years. I used to feed the tank it was in with frozen and would give it a squirt or 2. I feed the new tank basically only pellets and nori. I might have starved it to death without even knowing. I know it’s a myth whether or not they need direct feeding.. who knows ‍

 

[Retro Reefer]

IMO never directly feed clams, this just irritates them more than anything.. an established tank with plenty of light and proper parameters is 90% of the battle.

 

[G_Lows]

IMO never directly feed clams, this just irritates them more than anything.. an established tank with plenty of light and proper parameters is 90% of the battle.

That’s what I’ve heard too. I’ve fed and I’ve not fed and it has always done fine. Up until the last week