[migget]

i got a new clam on saturday. its seemed fine ever since except this morning it was on its side and it foot cant be seen. i placed it up right again and the mantle was out about half way. that was this morning. this afternoon its completely withdrawn into the shell but the shell is open. any thoughts?

[pogodzib]

It doesn't seem happy where it is at. What type of clam is it and what do you have for lighting? Some clams like rock, others like sand. Many times when I get a clam, I'll put a bowled out piece of rock under it and LOOSELY place rock all around the clam to help hold it up and in place until it attaches its basal foot.

[migget]

its a 3 in baby maxima but i just tapped it a few times and it doesnt respond. you think its dead?

[mtfabel]

Small clams need to be fed phytoplankton a couple times a week.

[migget]

i feed it phyto feast and oyster eggs pretty much daily

[combs44]

If it's foot can't be seen, you probably have a major issue. I believe that there are some animals that prey on the bissal foot of clams.

Take this with a grain of salt as I have minimal experience with clams.

Can you list water params such as Ca, Mg, Alk, and lighting?

[pogodzib]

Since you've only had the clam for three days, it is probably either stressed out or dying. Maxima clams are rock dwellers so I'd place it in the upper half of your tank on a rock ledge with a rock "fence" built around it so it stays upright and can't fall of the rocks. Prior to doing that though, inspect the bottom of the clam shell for small, cone shaped snails. There are some predatory snails that feed on clams. Seeing even one on the clam indicates that you probably have hundreds within your tank. Many times, they stay hidden during the day. Once it is placed on the rocks, leave it alone - tapping on the mantle or disturbing it will kill it!!!