Unhappy clam

Hi all,

I've had a crocea for about a month now, residing on the top rock and doing seemingly well.

When I woke up this morning, it was severely receded- to the point that I can see through the bottom of the shell and barely responsive to light or touch.

I mixed up a 20% water change while testing params, but everything seems to be normal. My lights are admittedly weak, 130W PC's 75% actinic 25% 10k on a 30 gal.

Any help here (besides you can't keep a clam on a 30?)

Spec Grav: 1.026
Ph: 8.1
NH3: 0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
Alk: 175 ppm CaCO3
CA: 450 ppm

--- edit ---

Anemone and bubble look a little strange too. Maybe something my test kit is missing?

 

Lighting is most assuredly part of the (if not the only) problem. Crocea clams are one of the most light demanding clams and anemones definitely need stronger lighting too. Now, that being said, have you tried a fresh water dip on the clam? If you decide to try one, make sure that the temperature and ph of the dip water is the same as the tank water. Have you tested your tank for stray voltage?

 

I didn't check the obvious- temp is 84F. I usually try to keep it 78-80 max. It was hot yesterday so I had a fan running. I turned it off after sundown when the temp outside got back down to 65, but the water is still hot.

 

84 degree water is not going to kill your clam.

 

I haven't tried a dip. On my way out the door to get a ground probe.
The decline is so sudden (<10 hours) I don't know if lighting is the issue.

 

Thais the two forms of life I am definitely not going to try and keep as everything I have read on the two they are extremely hard to keep and not that great of a success rate. From What I have read and your explanations I would have to agree with amcarrig on your lights even though I have never kept either the clam or anemone. But that's my opinion and take it for whats it worth. Good luck my friend.

 

+1 on lighting you will need better lighting to keep both clam and anemone healthy and colorful.

 

So here's the plan- mh lights, remove the powerheads with filter socks and replace with hydor. Keep or remove the canister?

 

$275 later...

380W MH/PC installed, HOB skimmer and powerheads moved to fit the stand on, another 10% water change, burnt hand (hot lights!).
I hope this does it!

 

I hope that works for you. Some say you don't need a canister if you got a good skimmer but I couldn't answer that. I will wait to see what the pros say because I am curious to. Sorry about your hand to. I know that hurt.