Clam keeps on falling over

[attilaa]

Every time I put my clam upright on the sand it has a habit of falling over to its side? Why is it not happy? Should I place him on a rock instead?

[a4twenty]

what type of lighting and wattage?

depth of the tank?

what type of clam is it?

how much flow and is it direct?

how close to corals??

a picture would really help.

he is falling over because he is trying to move, the answer to why should be found in the questions above :)

[attilaa]

I updated my profile so you can see what I am working with. I have two clams; one is a crocea clam and this one is doing well. The other one I am not sure about as far as the type but I will post a pic once I figure out how to post it on the site. Do you think maybe the problem is that I have them beside one another?

From the light to the clam is about 2ft. There is no direct flow on the clam. I am thinking that maybe this clam is more comfortable being attached to my rockwork vs on the bottom in the sand. There is a mushroom coral about 4 inches from it.

Ill post a pic once I figure out how to do this. Thanks for the help

[a4twenty]

how old is the bulb?

what are your nitrates like with the wet dry??

they should be fine right next to each other but its best to keep them away from corals.

crocea's and maxima generally prefer to be on the rocks but with sufficient light i have kept both on the sand.


the easiest way to post a pic is either an online account like photobucket (http://photobucket.com/) or click on the camera / gallery button in the top line of one of your posts. it's pretty easy after that, though you may have to resize your photos.

[attilaa]

http://s424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/Attila1975/Clams/?action=view&current=DSC00055.jpg

Thanks for the tip.

Let me know what you think. Please dont tell me that he is gaping!!!!

[a4twenty]

that clam is a crocea and the other is a maxima. crocea are known to hold their incurrent siphon open more than other clams, they both look ok. though i would like to see a top down pic of the maxima, specifically the area of the mantle that is retracted.

what fish / inverts do you have?

both those clams wouldn't like to be up on the rocks, closer to the lights, though they may do fine where they are ( 250W halides ). these two species are the most light loving of the tridacnid clams, generally clams move in search of greener pastures, he is probably asking for more light.

[attilaa]

Ill take a pic tomorrow when the lights are on. I actually moved the clam that kept on tipping over to a rock and he seems to like it better. The pic that I have taken was right after I stood him up so they both dont look as good as they usually do(youll see tomorrow):)

The only problem is that I was planning on putting a hammer coral in the spot that the clam is in. Is it safe to put it besides?

Fish: Purple Tang, Foxface, Flame Fin Tomini Tang, Maroon Clown,

Inverts: Pink Bubble Tip Anemone, 2 Cleaner Shrimp(it seems like they like the clams, can they harm them?) Blood Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, and my not so smart addition "reef lobster".

About 30 Blue Hermit Crabs, 3 Snails, 3 Brittle Sea Stars.

I think that about sums it up. I would love to build a refugium but I live in a condo and I dont have space for it.

[attilaa]

Here are some more pics. Any idea as to what corals I should place beside it? The clam is touching my leather but it doesnt seem to mind. Thank again for all your help!!!!! Since I moved it on the rockwork he seems to be very happy. I just hope my anemone doesnt start wondering in that direction!!


http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/Attila1975/DSC00065.jpg

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/Attila1975/DSC00057.jpg

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/Attila1975/DSC00067.jpg

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/Attila1975/DSC00068.jpg

[attilaa]

Here is a pic of my tank. I wish I had more space.

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/Attila1975/DSC00070.jpg

[a4twenty]

they look fine, i find it best to run carbon if you are keeping softies. you can keep them near corals, i just try to give space between LPS and softies due to the chemical warfare and sweeper tentacles.

the anemone is in the same group as those corals, they will sting the clam but it will mostly just irritate clam. in the short term not a big problem but over time can be detrimental. i find the best way to get BTA's to stay put is to keep them well fed.