I am doing my first water change after getting my clam. It is high in the tank and I was wondering how it would fare out of water for a couple minutes.
as far as i know clams are one of those thing that should never be out of water for any sort of time. so a few min would deff be a bad idea.
i read that even when first acclimating they must not be exposed to air, even when taking outta the bag
This depend on how long. When I acclimate them I never use any of the shipping water so they are out of the water for a couple seconds. They are unlikely to dry out in the span of a water change but it has to be stressful.
Pm or email Chris_Barb he is a clam expert and would be able to give the most correct answer with out personal opinion
[quote=“a1amap, post:4, topic:1432”]
This depend on how long. When I acclimate them I never use any of the shipping water so they are out of the water for a couple seconds. They are unlikely to dry out in the span of a water change but it has to be stressful.[/quote]
I dont think the drying out is a problem, so much as getting air bubbles in them. I am just going on something I have read and hopefully Chris will step in here, but I read if you do take them out of the water it helps to “burp” them of any air. It seems like they should be able to do it themselves… and we didnt do it to our clam when it went into the tank, so I’m not sure if it is necessary at all.
I do know that micro bubbles can cause problems with them because they get trapped inside the clam and form larger bubbles. That would stress them, but I’m not sure if just being out of the water for a few min would be that bad. Its kind of like low tide on the reef.
Just looking through the clam book (GREAT BOOK by Daniel Knop) that I have and doesn't say to much about It, It does have a whole section on captive breading and shows a hippopus out on the side walk and the caption under it states they expose them to the sun to trigger egg release. ??? I don't think I'd recommend it.I just did a water change. I used a 2 quart bucket and got water in it and put the clam in it under water just in case it does not like the air.
Sounded like the best way. Better safe then sorry. ;D
It seemed like the most logical thing to do…which means I beat the odds by thinking of doing it that way…
Saw this a few hours ago but the water change was already done so…
Just an FYI, taking a clam out of the water,exposing them to air is no big deal. In the wild some clams will be regularly exposed to air at low tides, and in some cases at extreme low tides for an hour or more in the tropical sun.
Exposing them to the air should be kept to a minimum but they can handle it just fine.