Clam Killer? (1 Viewer)

[dillo]

My clams are suddenly dying. Rotting away from the bottom. I have had all three for about a year with no problems what so ever. I just got back from vacation and when I left they all looked fine. when I got back (6 days later) one was almost completly gone and the other 2 are rotting away. All of my other corals and everything else living are doing great. The only thing I have changed in the last month or so has been my lighting. I went from 3-10,000k MH to 3-20,000k MH bulbs and I also have 2-VHO flourescents that are due for a replacement. Could that be my problem? PLEASE HELP!!!!!

 

[djreef]

It's quite possible that the bulbs are the reason. Your PAR output drops significantly the higher in color temperature you go. The fact that they are cratering all at once, though makes me suspect something else. Maybe a water borne pathogen like a virus, or bacteria. Is anyone in the tank jacking with them? Could they be stressing? Stray electrical current - like a faulty powerhead? Temp? Pyramid snail infestation? Rogue crab? Rogue Eunicid worm? Sounds like you need to POE starting with the water chemistry (where are your Ca+/alk levels), after the obvious is ruled out.

DJ
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[dillo]

You asked if anything is jacking with them and yes. There is. That xmas tree wrasse I recently put in my tank will go by everytime they are about to open up and get a quick peck at them. It makes me wonder is he pecking at them because he just want to eat them or is he pecking at them because they are sick anyway.

 

[Guest]

Could be both...the fact the fish is trying to peck at the clams means either the clams are dying due to this fish or the fish is after them cause their dying.

Like DJ {Hi DJ} said the fact all 3 clams are dying at once is significant. Either something has gotten started in the water or something in your water chemistry has gotten out of whack while you were on vacation.

Is there anything left of the clams?? If not I'd get them out asap. Once a clam even starts to look bad they are gone.

 

[dillo]

Thanks Sue T. Right now if the wrasse doesn't mess with them They will still come out of their shell. But I notice a small hole in the bottom of their bodies right under there intake inlets. Does this mean that they are gone or can they come back if left alone?

PS- Awesome tank!!!

 

[djreef]

Wrasses are goofy animals. Each, without question is an individual, and prone to entertain themselves any way they see fit. He's prob jacking with clams for the fun of it. One thing is for sure, he ain't helpin'. Get him outta there before he stresses them to the point of no return. It will give you time to figure out what's going on with the rest of the system.

Hey Sue!!!! I'll give you a call this weekend.

DJ
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