Bad News Guys! I need help - Page 2

WestPat · 10-15-2003, 11:24 PM

Casey,
I know that is a lot of pictures that probably show you nothing other than size and new growth. Both clams are attached to the sea shell halves, and I washed all of the substrate out of each shell carefully checking for snail like particles. No luck.

There were a lot of pods up in each sea shell, but I do not think they would be an irritant?

I did not see any snails around the byssal opening or in or around the scutes.

I did burp them when putting back in tank.

I am going fishing in the morning. I got the needed supplies on the way home. He can go in my 29 with my puffer for now.

The wrasse would be great for a big system, just not my 75, and not what my long term goals are either.

Thanks,
David West

Casey · 10-16-2003, 05:30 AM

David they look pretty good from what I can see from the pics,just keep an eye on them and keep looking for anything that is irritating them something is making them afraid or unwilling to open all the way I cant see anything obvious from the pics keep me posted.

WestPat · 10-16-2003, 01:20 PM

Casey,
I fell asleep before the lights went out last night, sorry just really tired. I close at my job tonight so I will check for crabs tonight. Would they be inside or just around the clam?

The clam that was not so open now has some more tissue missing around the mantle this morning, but I have not seen any of the fish mess with it. I am going to try to catch the wrasse when the halides come on.

Thanks for the help,
David

Casey · 10-16-2003, 02:25 PM

Crabs would probably be just hanging around it ,David something is biting it. I think, you have to catch the bas****

Watch that wrasse like a hawk buddie. Let me know.

WestPat · 10-16-2003, 03:43 PM

I have spent most of my day doing laundry over by the tank and I have noticed that both clams at different times will "shudder" two or three times in a row, and will close the inhalant siphon to a very thin slit for a few minutes. They are both opened normally today, and seem to be fine despite the hole in them.

Could there be a type of animal that burrows through the tissue and invades the innards of the clam?

I have tried to look through the hole and siphons and see nothing. I know there are commensal clams but don't they go through the byssal opening?

It is just strange that they have holes in basically the same spot on each one's anatomy.

Going fishing,
David

Casey · 10-16-2003, 04:09 PM

Yes Im sure with all the predators there could be one that burrows inside,you might want to shoot an email to Barry at clams direct.com he knows alot more about clams than me

My concern is you keep seeing new holes in the mantles.

Barry N. · 10-16-2003, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Would you reccomend a freshwater on iodine dip?

Sent you a email.

NOT Iodine!

At this point I would not do a FWD as her mantles look ok. As far as the hole, if it isn't all the way through, then it can heal on its own. Sometimes when they shut and open a lot, this can cause a little break in the mantle.

If it is in any type of stress then I would take it out and put in a Q-tank, stress free envirement or some of your grabs will start to get too it, causing addtional stress.

Keep me posted.

Toadfish · 10-17-2003, 01:42 AM

I think it is sonething with your water params if multiple clams are having the same problems...What are all of your waters params like including PH, Ca and Alk? How new or old are your bulbs? How big are the clams, any corals nearby that could sting them? You mentioned that you just went to DI water...what were you previously using? Maybe a 30% water change with RO/DI wouldn't hurt. Lastly how long has your tank been going?

Just to add something from rereading one of your posts...The clams appear to be Tridacna Crocea...you mentioned that they are 18 inches from 175w MH's. Are they in the rockwork or SB? You nay want to consider raising them closer to the lights. That seems a bit far for a crocea under a 175w MH.

WestPat · 10-17-2003, 03:11 AM

Casey and or Barry,
I checked the tank in darkness and saw nothing..... except the RICE GRAINS of DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did not see them with the lights on, but I guess they were in the clam maybe? There were two on the seashell rim and I immediately got a bowl of tank water and swished the clam and shell half it is attached too around in the water. When I had rinsed it thoroughly I put it back in the tank and burped it. I did not see any on the one that is a little worse off, but I am sure they are there. I checked the bowl and stopped counting at five, but I am sure there are more than that.

1)Are my clams doomed?
2)What can I do to get rid of snails?
3)Even if I remove snails may clams still perish?
4)Would moving them to a different part of tank help reduce another round of snails?

Many thanks to the friendly stomatella that pointed at the snail with his antennae.

ALso there was a very tiny bristle worm present when I took inventory of the bowl, but I do not think it part of the problem, do you?

Thanks for the help and what is our next move?
Sincerely,
David West

Casey · 10-17-2003, 05:14 AM

David they are hard to get rid off clean the clams good and move them high into the rocks that will help a little,if you see a snail crush it mine loved to climb on the glass,I doubt the bristle worm is a problem,Barry any more suggestions?? Good catch David

Barry N. · 10-17-2003, 10:53 AM

Once you have those little evil things in your tank it is hard to rid them. They will lay eggs in the sand and hide.

If you could put the clam in a q-tank that would be great. Check around the byssal REAL good as that is where they like to hide as well. Inspect them real well and remove them all. They could have come in on a clam but hard to tell.

You may have to inspect them often and like Casey says, put them up in the rock work, rather than on the substrate.

WestPat · 10-17-2003, 01:51 PM

Thanks guys. I wish they made a snail rid formula for saltwater like they do for freshwater. Unfortunately the main ingredient of the product is Copper.

I appreciate the help and will continue to wage warfare.

I could set up a Q tank, but I have no lighting that would sustain them for any length of time.

Thanks to all, I will keep posted,
David

Toadfish · 10-17-2003, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Thanks guys. I wish they made a snail rid formula for saltwater like they do for freshwater.

They do...It's called a sixline wrasse. While the sixline will not completely eliminate them, he will help keep them in check. I have the dreaded snails as well. I think most people do. You just have to keep a close eye on your clams. Since I first noticed the snails, I added about 25 astrea. I noticed thatthe snails left my clams...I have checked them at night and found no snails. However, my astreas have the pyramid snails on them. Maybe they prefer the astreas, which is fine with me.

Casey · 10-17-2003, 07:31 PM

I have ordered 3 six lines wrasses all 3 have died within 3 days
and I cant find them local

Toadfish · 10-17-2003, 08:45 PM

I have read that they do not ship very well...Casey, you may have to travel the coast to find one.

If you can find one that survives for ya, then I think you will be pleased...I had one die and decided to get another. I have now had him for almost a year. If you need some help locating one let me know. I could pick one up here and possibly ship it to you.