Dead Clam

[wesheltonj]

Well one of my clams died. I gave him a fresh water dip as he was not opening his mantle all the way, now he is gone. You can see him in the photo next to my name. He was from Clams Direct and was a featured clam. Look like another order time.

[aquasport24]

Do you have any idea why it die? did you see any snail fall off it during FW dip?

[ErikH]

Awe man that's such a pretty clam too!

[wesheltonj]

No snails came off during the dip. I have dip him a few time before and no problems. I will have to start looking for clam.

[mabel_photo6]

I'm new to clams... so it's a good thing when they are opened?
I have two clams... the small 1.5" crocea clam is not opened down the center but it's mantels are totally out with bright purple and electric blue lines. The other one (3") is opened from the center (but not totally opened) and mantels are sticking out but it's a dull purple with electric blue spots towards the end of the mantels.

I know they come in different color shades and patterns but what is a healthy clam supposed to look like?

Also, I'm so sorry you lost your clam. They are so beautiful.
I finally got the courage (and light) to be able to keep them.

[Europhyllia]

So sorry about your beautiful clam.

We have a great book in the MAAST library about Clams. It's by J. Fatherrell. I think anybody that keeps clams should read it at least once (or buy their own copy and keep it! :D )
It's full of excellent info including emergency care and troubleshooting.

[wesheltonj]

They should be open and the mantle fully expended over the edge of the shell. Yours sounds ok, but I would watch that 1.5 Crocea, they are harder to keep especially the small ones.

I have a copy of the claim book.

[mabel_photo6]

Well the thing is, the small one looks a lot better than the bigger one.
It's a lot brighter in color except it's not opened down the center.
They both have their mantels spread out though.

I tried looking up that clam book. I might buy it... is it this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Clams-Aquarium-James-Fatherree/dp/0978619404/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267506415&sr=1-3

[Europhyllia]

It is but Fatherree sells them on Ebay LIKE NEW but lightly scuffed on the hard cover and AUTOGRAPHED for only $20. So worth it. And such a nice touch to have it signed :)

Have a looksy:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Giant-Clams-in-the-Sea-and-the-Aquarium-by-Jim-Fathe_W0QQitemZ180465172359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_N onfiction_Book?hash=item2a048fff87

[mabel_photo6]

Niiiiiiice! Thanks!!!

[sharkboy]

how long did you have the clam? i wouldn't jump in and get another one until i found out the cause...did you run any water tests? any other changes in tank recently?

[wesheltonj]

3 years, my other clam (Maxima) is doing just fine. New to tank 2 fire shrimp. kH is a little low & Calcium 420.