Sand & Clams

[YellowFinsReef]

This probably should be a given, but due to my OCD, i need to know whether i should let it take care of itself or intervene.

I have several clams on clam hammocks in my tank. I also have a pair of two spot gobies that love to sift the sand and it occasionally gets on the clam's mantle. Should i just leave it be or try to get the grains of sand off from the mantle?

Funny because this probably happens in the ocean very often too. Thoughts?

 

[DSC reef]

Unfortunately the grains of sand can irritate the clam, especially if it gets inside the shell itself.

 

[P-Dub]

I would definitely keep the sand away from the clams with the goby's doing their thing. Hate seeing a clam being tortured by a grain of sand stuck between the outer mantle and shell.

 

[4n2xtacy]

Yeah I have a baby maxima, and he seem to be thriving pretty well. But my Goby always does the same thing however just to be safe, I take off the sand dust immediately. I think it's safer.

 

[homer1475]

Never had that issue, and in nutrient mode, my squammy nearly gets covered in sand.

If it's bothering the clam, it will blow it out by itself.

 

[DSC reef]

Yeah I have a baby maxima, and he seem to be thriving pretty well. But my Goby always does the same thing however just to be safe, I take off the sand dust immediately. I think it's safer.

It definitely is. Once sand gets in the actual valve of the clam it can be detrimental.

 

[saltyhog]

The only time I have the problem is if one of my sand sleeping wrasses gets a little rambunctious at bed time. I just take a turkey baster and gently blow the sand off. The clam retracts a little but only if I move too much water.