Safe to get a new clam?

Discussion in 'Clams' started by jlongwell, May 10, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. jlongwell

    jlongwell Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2012
    Messages:
    188
    Location:
    Kent, Ohio
    I had a Derasa a while back that fell victim to a pyramid snail infestation (see http://www.3reef.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1266795). My tank has now been clam free for 4 months.

    There is a spectacular teardrop Maxima at my LFS that I would love to purchase. Would it be safe to bite the bullet and pick him up?

    I've found next to nothing in regards to the lifecycle of clam-eating pyramids, so I don't know if they could lie dormant then make a resurgence once more "food" is introduced, or if they likely starved out during the clamless period. I'd hate to drop this kind of cash on a snack for these little bastards...

    If we deem that it is worth the risk, are there any precautions I can take to minimize the chance of another infestation? Someone in my other thread suggested a PVC pedestal to help keep the buggers off, which I'll likely do. Is there anything else I can do to minimize risk of infestation (like a dip of some sort to make sure there are none coming in ON the clam)?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Greg@LionfishLair

    Greg@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2011
    Messages:
    1,095
    Location:
    Coastal So. CA
    4 months should be OK, unless the nasty little vampires have decided to feed on your CUC snails (if you have them).

    Be sure to give any new clam a good inspection with a mag glass and a scrubbing with a toothbrush, esp in the byssal area.
     
  4. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    Last edited: May 10, 2012
  5. jlongwell

    jlongwell Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2012
    Messages:
    188
    Location:
    Kent, Ohio
    I don't think they've been feeding on my cuc. I haven't noticed any significant decrease in population, at least.

    Unfortunately, I do not think a wrasse is an option, as I'd rather not have anything.(out)competing my Mandarin for pods.

    I have never heard of dipping a clam, so I thought I'd ask just to see if it was an option.

    I'll probably go ahead and buy him this weekend, if I can convince them to hold him for me.

    Thanks for the input!
     
  6. Greg@LionfishLair

    Greg@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2011
    Messages:
    1,095
    Location:
    Coastal So. CA
    Dipping the clam (assuming Vinny meant a FW dip) won't do a darned thing for Pyramidellae. Besides the snails themselves, you need to remove any of the gelatinous egg masses you may find as well.

    Save yourself some money on the clam kit and get yourself an empty clam halfshell for your clam to attach to (a lot less than the $15 you'd pay for the kit). Put the halfshell just under the substrate and the clam will attach to it. Then you can move the clam as needed.
     
  7. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    Thrives Description:
    Blood sucking snails, protozoans, and stinging anemones can all find harbor in your aquarium courtesy that new clam you just bought. Luckily, Thrive’s Clam Kit has the tools and information you need to eradicate these pests and properly acclimate two clams. Your new clams will thank you later.