wharfrat48
01/09/2009, 10:32 AM
I have had a blue-lipped Derasa for about 7 years now. Almost the size of a football, she is one of my favorite animals. During a recent absence, my heater malfunctioned and the temp, usually stable at 79-80, dipped to at least 75 or so. I'm really not sure how low the temp got or how long the temp stayed low-- probably a day, maybe two.
All other livestock looks fine, but the clams intake remains VERY tightly shut. Sometimes with its "lips" overlapping, sometimes drawn into the body cavity. When I first got home it was barely opening during the day, but has since started to open about 2/3 of normal.
I dont have exact tank parameters with me, but the tank has held steady parameters for over 5 years. I did check some parameters when I got back, Ca 375, alk 3.5, pH 8.2. All the same as they have been for years. No recent changes to the tank or its livestock except for the addition of about 20 astrea snails early last month. The two other clams (crocea, maxima) look normal. Check for snails at nght but none visable. Thought it might be pinched mantle, but now that it is opening more it is hard to say. Any ideas? Could the temp excursion be responsible?
Thanks
All other livestock looks fine, but the clams intake remains VERY tightly shut. Sometimes with its "lips" overlapping, sometimes drawn into the body cavity. When I first got home it was barely opening during the day, but has since started to open about 2/3 of normal.
I dont have exact tank parameters with me, but the tank has held steady parameters for over 5 years. I did check some parameters when I got back, Ca 375, alk 3.5, pH 8.2. All the same as they have been for years. No recent changes to the tank or its livestock except for the addition of about 20 astrea snails early last month. The two other clams (crocea, maxima) look normal. Check for snails at nght but none visable. Thought it might be pinched mantle, but now that it is opening more it is hard to say. Any ideas? Could the temp excursion be responsible?
Thanks