Derasa Clam keeps tipping

Discussion in 'Clams' started by SAY, Feb 19, 2013.

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

  1. SAY

    SAY Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2010
    Messages:
    1,462
    Location:
    San Antonio
    I have had this derasa clam for a little over two years with few problems. However, over the last couple of months, it has begun falling over most nights. i normally right it each morning and it is fine during the day but will fall over again when the lights go out. I'm not sure why it has started struggling with its equilibrium and not sure how to keep it upright. It is on the sandbed and always has been. Any advice is appreciated. By the way, it still opens fully while standing up and even attempts to while on its side although it looks a little odd. I'm just afraid of the stress this could cause long term.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    I think it might be trying to move to another spot. Leave it be and see how it does.
     
    1 person likes this.
  4. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,720
    Location:
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    I had been having issues with my clam as well. It fell over on its side but was still open so I let it be. The next day it was right side up facing a completely different direction.
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. Greg@LionfishLair

    Greg@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2011
    Messages:
    1,095
    Location:
    Coastal So. CA
    Has anything changed in the setup (water pearmeters,flow patterns, new additions, etc)?

    Clams close up at night, and it may simply be the act of the clam closing, or possibly something making it snap closed (could even be reacting to the lights turning off too quickly).

    Try getting an approprately-sized PVC "ring" and bury it just under the substrate so it doesn't show, then nestle your clam onto it. This may give it a bit more stability, but if it needs to move, it will still be able to do so.
     
    1 person likes this.
  6. SAY

    SAY Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2010
    Messages:
    1,462
    Location:
    San Antonio
    Thanks for the advice everyone. I will try the PVC ring and then leave it alone.
     
  7. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2009
    Messages:
    7,072
    Location:
    Billings Montana
    Melarunus might be toppling it looking for snails on its base.
     
    1 person likes this.
  8. Click Here!

  9. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2009
    Messages:
    2,557
    Location:
    Detroit, MI
    Mine was always falling over also...I put a flat peice of rubble ruck under the sand under it and it hasnt fell over since.
     
    1 person likes this.