New Maxima Aborted Own Foot

Thanks for the link Eric! Yeah, I deffinatley need to upgrade my lighting.

On a positive note, the clam in question seems much more happy today. Since last night, I've slowly brought the alkalinity up by .5meq/L by adding SeaChem Reef Buffer. It's open almost as much as it was at MCF, and it already has new foot fibers growing. Two or three are already attached to the rock! I'm glad that this clam isn't going to immediately self-destruct, as now I have a little more time to make lighting upgrade! :)

All the same, I'm not sure how long it will be before I get the new lighting. I leave for Hawaii on the 15th, and I won't be getting back until after the 1st of next year. Obviously I need light sooner than later, but do you think I'll be okay through Hawaii, or should I try to get something now? If all else fails, I'll see if I can track someone down to babysit these clams.
 
EricTheRed said:
Aside from the lighting, it is important to note that your feeding regimen of the above foods will have almost no impact on clams. I'm puzzled at how anyone would have advised otherwise...? Clams are primarily photosynthetic but can be supplemented with phytoplankton. The reef chili has 7 ingredients, only 1 of which is (dried) phyto. If you're going to supplement a clam, you would be best served with live phyto, like the variety sold by DT's in the refrigerated section of your LFS.

I looked on Live Aquaria and saw what you were referring to regarding clams less than 2" requiring supplementation. I've never heard of that, but I won't say they're wrong because I'm not a clam expert :) I then decided to do a little extra research for you and found this info from Pacific East Aquaculture. These guys import their own clams directly from Tahiti and if anyone knows clams, it's Dr. Mac. He's a board certified veterinarian, has been a marine aquarium hobbyist since the 1960's and owns and personally manages his own coral research farm. Take a look at his care instructions...
http://www.pacificeastaquaculture.com/Articles_Product_Care.asp?idNews=32

He recommends supplementation if the clams are 1.5" or less. If your clams are smaller than 2", I'd supplement them to be safe. It certainly won't hurt :)
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Good info. If you do continue to supplement just make sure not to take it too far and foul up your water. Generally if you feed your fish and your fish poop that will be enough, but some people with ULNS feed their SPS/Clams/etc. often but have the system to handle the "extra".
 
That's great to hear! clams are sensitive little creaters and can look fine one day, but destruct the next.

Definately something now. I would say no more than a week or 2 (at the max) for the new lighting. Anything longer and the clam will start to go into deline. Babysit would be a good option.

Also, I read somewhere not to use buffer agents and they can leave some type of heavy metal (or mineral) in your tank that is bad for stoney corals. I'll see if I can find it, and post it here.
 
poidog said:
Also, I read somewhere not to use buffer agents and they can leave some type of heavy metal (or mineral) in your tank that is bad for stoney corals. I'll see if I can find it, and post it here.
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I just read the "ingredients", and the only questionable things included are various sulfide salts. I assume sulfur is just used to get everything else to crystallize, and once it is used, the sulfur dissolves into the water, which should be no problem at its concentration.

Skull, thanks for the warning. I've fed like this for a few months now, so I think the system can handle it, but still, something to think about. :)
 
Funlad3 said:
Blake, I can't really hold you guys accountable. The second I saw those clams, my heart was set on them. I couldn't tell you who helped me out Saturday either, even if I wanted to. On the other hand, this is a great excuse to start messing with LEDs, which I would do anyways. They really are stellar clams though. Everything else I bought from you guys is perfectly healthy. Thanks!
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Gotcha, just wanted to make sure! I'm glad you're happy with your purchases. :)
 
All right! I leave for Hawaii tomorrow morning, and just in the nick of time, I got my par 38 bulb from Rapid LED! I ordered Sunday night, it shipped Monday afternoon, and I got it at about five today.

It's not dimmable, so I have to have it suspended over the tank. Only I can't have it suspended over the tank. Instead, I have it on a tripod, pointed at the tank. I've only had it on for a few minutes today, and it looks great.

Anyways, how far away should I start it from the tank? Again, it's on a tripod pointing horizontally at the clams. I'm thinking of starting it at about 20 inches away for the two weeks I'm gone. What do you all think? I don't want to have the tank sitter move it, lest he burn and bleach them... They're (Clams) currently 3" under 4x65 PC lighting, so it's not the strongest lighting...

Thanks CR, and have a Happy Holiday season! :)


(60º) http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-141/7-LED-PAR38-Bulb/Detail
 
If it was me, I'd wait until I got back from vaca. They should be safe for another 2 weeks the way you've been keeping them, right? What if you position the led's too far or too close? You wouldn't be able to do anything about it while your gone...

It's only been like 3 weeks under pc's, right?
 
Update time! The clams are extremely happy with my water; one of them has put on two new growth plates since I first introduced it on Black Friday! (less than two months) The other, I have no clue as far as growth, I was watching an aiptasia get pushed farther and farther down. :)

The PAR bulb is only about 14" from the glass, but 20" from the clams themselves. Thanks again for everyone's help, as they're doing great!
 
Oh yeah! PCs are more heat, less intensity, and in most cases, the same replacement cost as T-5s.
 
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