Need help with rescued clam

[BucNtears]

I've rescued a clam thats in need of alot of help. I placed the clam on the sand bed for almost 2 weeks and it opened up a little. I also cleaned some barnicles that were on the sides and removed the worms that were on the sides. Since the clam did not open fully I've since placed it on the rock roughly 8" off the bottom. I'm running out of options on what to do so I'm looking for guidence on my struggle. All suggestions welcomed.

Pics of all sides.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/battleship029.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/battleship021.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/battleship026.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/battleship028.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/battleship025.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/battleship022.jpg

Thanks

[Ohiomom]

well for one, the fact that it is closing so tightly is good..two it looks like you have it placed vertically I would suggest putting it on a flat surface pointing towards the light so it can attach firmly to something then it will "feel" secure and hopefully open for you.

[Superstretch18]

This is going to sound crazy, but you should try a freshwater bath. Mix up a half bucket of ro with some marine buffer and match the tank temperature. You want the clam to stay in the dip for ~1/2 hour.

I know the timing sounds off, but the link below gives the procedure as well. Most pathogens will die during the dip, but the clam (as long as it's not too far gone) should be fine:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/jf/index.php

It's definitely been a while since that clam opened up. Notice the algae growth around the rim of the shell. That should be white.

[BucNtears]

Yes its closed up tight, when it opens it opens very little, the flesh looks pale. I'm going to lower it back to the sand and place it on a flat rock. I really don't have much space on the upper portion with all the sps. I'ld hate to have to wedge it between sps and the rockwork in fear of it not having tghe ability to open fully..

Thoughts

[Ohiomom]

lighting in the tank?

[BucNtears]

Maybe I'm not understanding you, I've read that you can dip a clam in freshwater as long as the ph are the same. I don't see where it says marine buffer, what are you meaning?

Tahnks

[BucNtears]

T5's
Ph 8.0
ca 440
dkh 9
mg 1450
n03 0 undetectable
p04 0 undetectable
temp 80.0

[Superstretch18]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15430102#post15430102 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BucNtears
Maybe I'm not understanding you, I've read that you can dip a clam in freshwater as long as the ph are the same. I don't see where it says marine buffer, what are you meaning?

Tahnks

Marine buffer is a powder that will raise the pH to 8.2. That's the end goal, so if you have a different method, go for it!

[BucNtears]

Ok I've filled a dish with freshly made up ro water. The ph is really closae to what the tanks is. Now do I just place the clam in the dish and let sit for 20-30 minutes?

[BucNtears]

ro ph is 7.98 tank is at 8.08 .. close enough?

[Superstretch18]

Fresh RO is probably cold. You'll need to let it warm up to tank temp first. Put it in a ziplock bag and float it for a bit to equalize the temps.

I'd suggest something deeper than a dish though. Clams can also squirt a surprising distance in very shallow water. Consider something just a touch deeper. Or make sure that you have a cover for the vessel.

IMO, the pH difference is not major and should be fine. I'd say that 20 minutes should be fine as well...

[BucNtears]

My bad I meant to say a pitcher...Anything I need to watch for as the clam sits inside the pitcher?

[Superstretch18]

You probably won't see much of anything going on one way or another. The clam might open and close a couple of times, but otherwise it should be pretty uneventful.

I just wanted to make sure that we are clear on one thing; if the clam is too far gone, it is possible for the dip to kill the clam. Most likely though, that if that happens, it was already close to death anyway. Sorry for the disclaimer...

[Ohiomom]

just an fyi..there is a bit more involved in a freshwater dip than just ph and temp..I would take a few minutes an read up on the procedure before doing it imo..

[Superstretch18]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15430906#post15430906 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ohiomom
just an fyi..there is a bit more involved in a freshwater dip than just ph and temp..I would take a few minutes an read up on the procedure before doing it imo..

Couldn't agree more. For all anyone knows, I could just be talking out my ***. :p

I posted a link with the full procedure above, but please, if there are any questions or uncertainties, before is the time to address them, not after...

Good luck either way!

[BucNtears]

After reading around, I've got another question. When doing a fwd I read its mainly done for pitched mantles. This being the case does my clam to have one or should I go ahead and dip.
The clam in question has been this way for going on 5 days.

[BucNtears]

Well I've decided to go ahead a dip the clam. I'll post back with an update..

[DSR]

Absolutely do not dip that clam until you know for certain what is going on. Freshwater dips are very stressful and may very well kill that lovely clam if it isn't necessary. Advising on a freshwater dip without more information is nothing less than irresponsible... The clam could be suffering from any number of issues that would not respond well to a fresh water dip.

BucNtears, I hope your clam makes it. Without more information it is hard to tell what is going on with it. what else is in the tank, etc.

[BucNtears]

Ok 15 minutes in and the only thing to come off the clam as been about 15 pods. The clam opened about 1/2" then closed back up.

[DSR]

The only thing you can do now is wait and see how it is going to react to the freshwater (which it may not react well to at all). People are way to quick to say "drop it in some freshwater!" What else do you have in your tank right now? Does it react to light when it is partially open? If the clam does not start to gape then you can look at these issues and narrow down what is going on. I really hope it makes it. I would strongly suggest not doing another dip.

[BucNtears]

Back in the tank

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/IMG_0979.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/IMG_0979-1.jpg

Fish list

(4) chromis
(2) clowns
(3) red fin wrasse
(1) starry eyed blenny
(1) melaurus wrasse
(1) clown goby
(2) serpent stars
(?) turbo snails
(1) hermit crab

[BucNtears]

One more pic

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b271/BucNtears/IMG_0982.jpg

[DSR]

Does it react to light? I would be more concerned about the hermits and the blenny than any other source. It is hard to tell, but it looks like something has been chewing on the mantle in the picture right above this post (top right). If so, that is the most likely source of problems with this clam. I really hope it makes it.

[BucNtears]

React, Not sure the main lights are on. I've shined a flashlight on it and it stays open(1/2"). I'll shine agian when the main lights are out. The mantle seems fine I believe its the angle and being closed. The clam has lost alot of color since its been closed for so long.

[DSR]

Wave your hand over the top of the tank, between the clam and the light. It triggers a predatory response and if the clam is not gaping then it will react by either closing its shell (even a little) or retracting the mantle (or both). Unfortunately, what you are describing and what appears to be depicted in those pictures does not look all too healthy. Give that a shot.

[BucNtears]

Yes, I placed a towel over the tank and the clam/mantle closed. When I removed the towel it opened back to its orginal 1/2".

Good sign ?

[basser1]

It is a good sign. I say leave it alone for a few days and let it get adjusted to its' new surroundings. It needs to be in a stable environment. From your pics, it really doesn't look bad! I can see signs of new growth on the scutes. Good Luck with it and keep us posted! ;)

[BucNtears]

Still looks the same, barely open. I've got to work at the fire station tomorrow so I'll be gone for 24hours. I'm going to do a water change Thursday. I'll post back and give an update..

I've placed it on a rock about 10" off the bottom and will watch closely tonight after the lights go out. If I even think a fish is messing with it "its gone" I'll remove it...

[DSR]

That is a good sign. I am very glad to hear it. Just give it some time. And, superstretch, sorry if my earlier comments offended you, may have been a tad bit on the strong side and no offense was meant.

HOpe all goes well and that the clam is on the mend. If you can pull it around, looks like it will be a very nice looking clam.

[BucNtears]

None taken, I get the same way on issues rangeing from dealing with the public to someone adding a tang to a 30 gallon tank. I'm hoping for the best with this clam.

I just finshed with testing the tank

Ph 81.3
Ca 460 (still dailing in my reefkeeper}
Alk 3.08
Dkh 8.624
Mg 1400
Salt 1.025
temp 81.2
N03 0 (really hard to see}
p04 0 (same as above)

Thanks for helping me out

[darkdruid]

Check your flow and make sure it's in a low flow area, too much and it won't open.

[BucNtears]

I'm on night watch, nothing found so far.

Yes low flow.

[BucNtears]

Update... As you well know I've rescued a clam and took several steps to bring it back. The clam is open about maybe 1/2" and in low flow about 10" off the bottom. Basicly no real change from Tuesday, None of my fish are picking at it. I have not touched the clam to see if its attached. I'm at a loss as what to do next.

Current reading
Ph 82.5
Ca 440
Alk 3.08
Dkh 8.624
Mg 1400
Salt 1.025
temp 81.2
N03 0
p04 0

Last question....
I'll be leaving town till next Wednesday so I'm just going to leave it alone till then.
So I be worried if it decides to take a turn for the worse and dies while I'm out of town....?

[darkdruid]

One question I haven't seen you post an answer to....what kind of lighting are you running? At the very least you need a good T5 system, metal halides are even better for clams. Not enough light and it won't open.

[BucNtears]

I'm running T5's also have a lot of sps that are doing well.

Posted via BB

[Ohiomom]

How many watts od t5's..

[darkdruid]

There comes a time where you've done all you can do, any more moving or messing with will just stress it out even more. It may be time to either pass it on to someone else with more experience or a better setup, or just leave it alone and see what happens.

[BucNtears]

I agree their comes a time, its to late I'm out of town so I'll see what I come home to. I've someone coming over to check on things and they will remove the clam if they can't see any flesh or the clam not opened showing improvement. The lights are 54 watt X's 6, I have stated that the tank is mainly made up of SPS with a few LPS. I've done my best to bring the clam back, though I'Fri, Jul 31, 2009 like to know the exact cause why the clam did not recover.
The only thing I can think of is the blenny developed a taste for the clam and that's the reason for it not opening up and bouching back


I'll post a final update when I here anything or after I get baqck in town.


Thanks for everyone helping me out.


Posted via BB

[darkdruid]

If the clam dies it will be wide open, if it's closed it's alive. I hope it makes it and lives for years to come.

[basser1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15450623#post15450623 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BucNtears

The only thing I can think of is the blenny developed a taste for the clam and that's the reason for it not opening up and bouching back


I'll post a final update when I here anything or after I get baqck in town.


Thanks for everyone helping me out.


Posted via BB


If you suspect a fish may be picking on it, try this. Take a 2 liter bottle and cut off the bottom. Drill several holes for circulation, place the bottle over the clam so nothing gets at it. If the clam opens up...... you have your answer! Be sure to keep us posted when you get back. ;)

[BucNtears]

Big update..... I took the advice and placed a clear bottle over the clam and watched what happened. The clam started to open more and more, granted the clam has become very faded in color, I believe its trying to get use to the lights all over again. As I was looking at the clam I noticed my horseface blenny picking and trying to get through the bottle. I removed the bottle and watched as the blenny attacked the clam, so I placed the bottle back over the clam.
Over the last few days I've tried everything to remove this blenny and I've finally got it out.... I used a small fish hook and within 5 minutes had it.
I find it strange that this blenny all of a sudden took a liking towards the clam.

I'll keep updating till the clam has regained its color.

[OrionN]

I would try to feed this clam, A Crocea) That clam is very far gone. There is absolutely no new growth of any kind for a while. Other than that, just leave it alone and give it as much light as you can. I don't think you can over light a Crocea with T5 light.

[basser1]

[iBig update..... I took the advice and placed a clear bottle over the clam and watched what happened. The clam started to open more and more, granted the clam has become very faded in color, I believe its trying to get use to the lights all over again. As I was looking at the clam I noticed my horseface blenny picking and trying to get through the bottle. I removed the bottle and watched as the blenny attacked the clam, so I placed the bottle back over the clam.
Over the last few days I've tried everything to remove this blenny and I've finally got it out.... I used a small fish hook and within 5 minutes had it.
I find it strange that this blenny all of a sudden took a liking towards the clam.

I'll keep updating till the clam has regained its color.

. [/B]


Congrats! I'm glad it worked for you and you found the culprit and was able to remove it! Be patient with it and keep us updated on its' progress (see? I'm thinking positive!).

[Whisperer]

I am afraid when I saw the last pics. The mantle seems so retracted to me. It looks like it is about to check out. I hope I am wrong. It hurts to lose those beautiful creatures. Keep us posted.

[BucNtears]

The clam is still kicking along..... Matter of fact I just witnessed it spawning. Though it did not open very much 1/2" white milky substance began to shoot out of it..

I belive its gonna make it..

Your thoughts

[OrionN]

Clam spawn can be an indication of severe stress. Last act trying to preserve it's genes before dying. I do not think that it will make it.

[BucNtears]

Thats not what I wanted to here :{

[Whisperer]

Still pulling for your clam. Dont give up.

[BucNtears]

I still have hope, well its been a couple of weeks now and the most its opened is 1/2". Its placed about 10" off the bottom, wondering if I should place it down on the sand...

suggestions

[OrionN]

You should try to feed him. Put him in a small container with phytoplanton for 1/2 to 1 hr until it clear the water. Feeding will get it energy which it critically need righ now. This would give it the best chance of recovery. Good luck

[Whisperer]

I would leave it alone. Moving it just add more stress. Eating (or filter feeding) would be the last thing a sick creature wants. JMO

[BucNtears]

OK.. I'll leave it be. How long would you say it'll be before I can tell its on the way to recovering?

[Whisperer]

When it starts to extend its mantle, it may pull through. I would watch out for scavengers like crabs and shrimps. They can smell death from a mile away.

[Whisperer]

Any up date on your clam?

[BucNtears]

Yes its slowly getting its color back and has also begun to open abit more... :)

[OrionN]

Very good. Hope he will recover completly

[ginger7286]

I would place it on the sand in an area where it gets plenty of flow. Feed the tank with Zooplankton or whatever you use, and leave it alone for awhile. With all that attention it is could be stressed. When I placed mine on the sand it moved to a spot it liked and hasn't moved since. I make sure to feed the tank several times a week and watch the flow from my powerheads to make sure it passes over my clam. Give it a chance to settle into it's evironment. Good luck.

[BucNtears]

Yes, I've placed the clam on the sand and the meat of the clam gently sways. I have been keeping a close eye on the tank.

PH 8.02
Temp 80.1
Ca 440
Dkh 8.3
Mag 1500
N03 .5
p04 0

On the way to recovery, I'll post pics in a couple more days as its lost alot of its color and slowly getting the bright blue back :)

[basser1]

That's good news Buctnears! Thanks for the update, and keep us posted. ;)

[Whisperer]

Awesome news! Pics, Pics, Pics :D

[basser1]

Well it's been a few days since you last posted. How is the clam doing? Better? (I hope!)

[basser1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15634325#post15634325 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by basser1
Well it's been a few days since you last posted. How is the clam doing? Better? (I hope!)

Big Bump!!

Any updates? Is he still hangin' in there?

[Whisperer]

I'm afraid...

[Ken_wied]

update?

[darkdruid]

Chowder?

[BucNtears]

Sorry, Yes the clams is still alive. Its fully expanded and regaining its color, I'll post an updated pic soon.