Clam help - bristleworms on bottom

[jonnywater]

My tank is extraordinarily healthy. Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phophate, Silicate all undetectable. Calcium 440, Magnesium 1330, Alk 2.84, Iodate .03, Iodide, .04.....etc. Needless to say that I have had two clams that have been in my tank for about 5 months. Both of them have pretty extensive growth.

The last two days I have pulled both of them up to pull bristleworms off of the underside of them. Not big ones, just little ones that are along the bysall opening and they come right off. Are they just looking for a free meal from what the clam is secreting from the byssals? Because both clams are REALLY healthy. Here are some pics. I havent had a single problem with the clams and just recently decided to try to get my excess nutrient problem under control. About 3 weeks ago. I was feeding every 2nd day (cyclop-eeze, two little fishies zooplan and DT's phyto). I now feed on Fridays only, leave everything off but my powerheads for an hour then turn everything back on after about an hour. Then I let the filtration go and wash it all out. Then i do a 25% water change after blowing all the excess junk off of the rocks. Any help would be appreciated.

If these arent healthy clams, I dont know what is.

[wharyat]

As long as they're healthy; no worries. Bristle worms will only go after dead decaying matter.

[jonnywater]

Cool there whereyat. I got the last time, still it concerns me a bit about them being under the clams and all that. I dont want anything bad to happen ya know.

[Geoff]

how long have you had the clams? they could have had damaged feet? the bristleworms could be eating the leftover morsels of broken foot. if the clams are over a month old, this will not be the case.

they could just be hiding from the light. bristleworms do not like to be out in the light.

G~

[jonnywater]

Then why dont they hide elsewhere in the sand? LOL. I have had the clams about 5-6 months each I believe. Both have grown EXTENSIVELY since I have had them.

[Twitterbait]

they are just like roaches. they come out at night and then stay out of direct light during the day. they won't attack the clam unless it is dying.

[davidsreef]

It should be fine. I have had bristle worms hide in the scutes of my clams, and they are doing healthy. I would just pick them off if the clam shows any signs of irritation.