Lost a clam

[nos68]

Well, just a few weeks ago I had gotten two clams, both about 2.5-3". When I went last night to check on them and feed them, one of the clams was literally gone - his insides were missing.

The only thing I can think of is something ate it, but didn't think I had anything that would do that - just crabs & maybe some shrimp (they hide so I never see them). Now I'm worried about the other one - it looks fine as it's open and seems happy.

Any suggestions? Something I can look for or do to ensure the other clam is safe and OK?

thanks,
Chris

[Casey]

Chris give us some more info, Tank setup,How often you feed? What you feed etc etc

[nos68]

The tank is a 180 gallon with four 400 watt MH lights, Kalk reactor, calcium reactor, two Sea Swirls & assorted closed loops for water flow.

The temp is controlled by chiller / heater and is set for 81 deg. pH is 8.0, calc is around 430. 99% of corals in tank are SPS, fish & corals are fine.

Feed the tank four times a week with brine shrimp & DTs. Don't direct feed the clams as I was told they'd be big enough to not have to/wouldn't be needed....

Both clams are on the sandbed, one in the middle (it's the dead one) and one on the side. I've not seen anyone (crab/fish) pick at the clams.

I'm kind of stumped and bummed.

thanks,
Chris

[Casey]

I feed mine Dts until they hit 3 in mark, I dont see anything wrong
so the clam was probably sick when you got it.

[Sue Truett]

Chris, sounds like you have an awesome set-up there. With 4 400w mh's I would ask how did you acclimate these clams to that lighting?? Do you know what lighting they were under prior to your getting them?? Clams love the light but they do need to be acclimated to it. You didn't mention what species of clam this was. If you had it for a few weeks I would think that was about the time the clam should be going through the acclimation process to your system. If the lighting was too intense then that may have something to do with it.

Otherwise, your water params. are fine and the set-up sounds great. It may of been a bad clam too. Hopefully the other will do fine. You check of pyramid snails, right??

[Toadfish]

Sounds to me like he was eaten by something...Whether it died first is the big question