I have had this clam for about 9months. It had a very deep blue color. I had gone out of town for 9 days and had someone take care of my tank. All water was tested before I left and strict instruction were left as how to care for the tank. Before :Alk 10.2, Ca 420. Ph 8.0-8.4. Temp 79 I also did the usualy water change before I left. Upon return I tested again and Alk 6.2, Ca 550, Ph 7.9-8.1, Temp 83. I also did another water change as I do weekly. And readjusted the Alk, Ca and temp.

The problem I am having is my one of my clams bleached. It still has some color and the mantel it fully open. I looks very healthy except for the color. I also have another clam and it seem to be unaffected. All else looks fine except I have one fish missing. I do have an open tank and It could of jumped out.

Could the high temps have caused the bleaching? Do you think the clam will regain its color? And if so how long do you think it will take? If you could explain the process the clam will go thur to regain its color I would be more inlightened. Thanks ahead of time.
Victoria

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/gallery/files/3/3/6/NanotankJuly42006024.JPGHere is a picture to show the difference in the color of both of my clams.

i doo see the difference, an dim sorry to hear about htis..
unfortunately i dont have the experience with clams doing this to give much feedback..

hopefully someone else cal help

it does look like your clam is heat bleached. it is not only the temp, but the duration of the higher temp. while you were gone for nine days, perhaps the temperature was always high because you were not there to manage airflow through your home.

and the clam can regain its color in time.

Wow, beautiful photo!

I will wait it out and let you know how long it takes to regain color. I guess its stuff like this that helps us learn.
Victoria

How is your clam doing?

Beautiful tank you have!

Hi gwen
Thanks for asking. I looks really healthy, but its color has not changed enough for me to notice. I'm wondering now that it has lost a large amount of it zoothenthelle, will it need supplmental feeding?
Victoria

Victoria, you may want to try posting this in the ClamsDirect.com forum which deals with clams specifically. They should be able to tell you exactly what went wrong and how to resolve that. I usually shoot my clams questions to them.

Victoria, you may want to try posting this in the ClamsDirect.com forum which deals with clams specifically. They should be able to tell you exactly what went wrong and how to resolve that. I usually shoot my clams questions to them.
great suggestion..
very knowledgeable people over there...

thanks, JayBeDriften

Will give that a try, and bring back the knowledge.
Victoria

Here is a picture of my clam since the bleaching event in July. I has all most recovered it color.http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/VICTORIARAW/reeftanksept015.jpg
All that clamsdirect recommended was to readjust all prams and wait. I did that and I am very happy with the recovery.
Victoria

Thats fantastic Victoria. Great recovery:) Good things come to those who wait and apparantly not too long of a wait.

Looking good Victoria.