Whats wrong with my Clams?

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

Thanks for giving actual solutions that could help instead of jumping to "water change fixes everything"

Keep in mind that the clam recovery and long term survival is still reliant on water quality, clams do in fact need strontium and iodine among other elements. Best way to insure a good balance of such elements is through water changes. The previous advice was still sound, I wouldn't omit it.

[naesco]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Keep in mind that the clam recovery and long term survival is still reliant on water quality, clams do in fact need strontium and iodine among other elements. Best way to insure a good balance of such elements is through water changes. The previous advice was still sound, I wouldn't omit it.

I agree 100% with the above statement.

I would also politely add that I would lose the 'attitude' Marco if you wish to seek further assistance from experienced members of this forum.

And, please do not replace the Moorish Idol. Thanks

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by naesco

I agree 100% with the above statement.

I would also politely add that I would lose the 'attitude' Marco if you wish to seek further assistance from experienced members of this forum.

And, please do not replace the Moorish Idol. Thanks

+1 on both accounts.

Out of curriosity have you ever done a water change on your system? I agree we all have our methods and what works for some might not work for others but don't bash it until you atleast try it.

I'm sure others will chime in on the fact that their tanks look the best the day after a good water change/ blow off is done, I know mine sure does.

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by zoaElite

+1 on both accounts.

Out of curriosity have you ever done a water change on your system? I agree we all have our methods and what works for some might not work for others but don't bash it until you atleast try it.

I'm sure others will chime in on the fact that their tanks look the best the day after a good water change/ blow off is done, I know mine sure does.

Last water change I did was 60 gallons and everything went crazy. Yellow tang lost its mind and started attacking other fish. Which is why I got rid of it

[sphelps]

So you can change 60 gallons but not 50

Perhaps you're not doing it right...

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by sphelps

So you can change 60 gallons but not 50

Not daily for a week

[e46er]

Your one of those people who have a dog and don't clean up. The yard aren't you??
Every person in this thread has tried to help you - well except me because it's obviously a waste of time but maybe just maybe take the advice of the majority of reefers here? Especially since many of them have much nicer tank(s) than you or me?
Don't ask for advice if you don't want it
And clean your god damn pets home

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by sphelps

So you can change 60 gallons but not 50

Perhaps you're not doing it right...

I remove everything from the sump, vaccuum all detritus and empty all the water. The replace it, all the temp to match and turn on the return pump.

I also vaccuum the sump every 2 weeks, but without a waterchange

[Reefie]

I may not be as knowledgeable as some of the Canreefers on here, but I have a bit of experience with clams.

Clams close up if there is something that is bothering them. I am going to guess it is fish related, the strawberry basket cage is a good suggestion.

Having read your post about 0 Nitrates, that's a great thing for SPS, but not for clams. Clams consume Nitrates, so having a little is beneficial to them. I've had up to 11 clams at one point, yes I got hooked on them. I am down to 5 now, there is a delicate balance to keep clams and SPS.

SPS like "CLEAN" water, while clams like "DIRTY" water. I have found that to keep both SPS and clams, you have to keep the water parameters almost perfect for the SPS while dosing Phyto and or Sponge Power to feed the clams. I've got 2 Crocea's that I've had for about a year now, got them when they were about 3" and now they're about 5"

Another thing could also be your CUC, I lost a few of my clams due to them picking at some algae that was growing on the shells. It iritates the clams when hermits or even your cleaner wrasse is picking at it's shell.

I would suggest that you do 10% water changes weekly and see if it makes a difference also. Clams like everything else we keep in our tanks prefer stability, so make small changes gradually.

[MarkoD]

Thank you, you win for having the most helpful post.

Originally Posted by Reefie

I may not be as knowledgeable as some of the Canreefers on here, but I have a bit of experience with clams.

Clams close up if there is something that is bothering them. I am going to guess it is fish related, the strawberry basket cage is a good suggestion.

Having read your post about 0 Nitrates, that's a great thing for SPS, but not for clams. Clams consume Nitrates, so having a little is beneficial to them. I've had up to 11 clams at one point, yes I got hooked on them. I am down to 5 now, there is a delicate balance to keep clams and SPS.

SPS like "CLEAN" water, while clams like "DIRTY" water. I have found that to keep both SPS and clams, you have to keep the water parameters almost perfect for the SPS while dosing Phyto and or Sponge Power to feed the clams. I've got 2 Crocea's that I've had for about a year now, got them when they were about 3" and now they're about 5"

Another thing could also be your CUC, I lost a few of my clams due to them picking at some algae that was growing on the shells. It iritates the clams when hermits or even your cleaner wrasse is picking at it's shell.

I would suggest that you do 10% water changes weekly and see if it makes a difference also. Clams like everything else we keep in our tanks prefer stability, so make small changes gradually.