Help with a dersa clam with the shell split at the bottom

[itsamyheff]

I got this 4" clam about a month ago from one of the chain stores. I was surprised to see it there. It was under florescent lighting for about 8 months as I was told. It was only opened about a half an inch. I felt bad for it and brought it home. When taking it out of the bag, I noticed the shell not being hinged together on the bottom. I have it almost on its side and in between another rock to kept it kinda straight. It is opening about a 1 1/2 inches now. Is there anything that I can put on it to hinge the shell back together? He is ok where he is for the time being, but if he continues to grow/live, it will not work is his location.

 

[itsamyheff]

I tried putting him in different location at 1st. When I put him on the sand bed, he would push the bottom open and not so much where he is suppose to open. He is opening like he should where he is now, but when he closes, he is not lined up right. The shell is about a 1/2" lower on one side. He extends good and has been improving since I got him. Just wanted to know if there is something I can do for it. I thought about some kind of soft epoxy but I don't want to kill it in the process.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Frankly.....I'd leave it alone and see if it can heal all by itself.

 

[itsamyheff]

I would love to let it heal on its on. Only problem is when it swells up and fully opens, it is separating the bottom part of the shell as well. I fear it has no time to grow back together if it can. It is set in a spot that it has time to grow a little. But not for a long period before it outgrows that location.

 

[elfloyd]

This is just my opinion!!!! Have not tried it!!!! Have not done any research!!!!

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way... Since you may loose him anyway, Here is what I would try. Make an artificial joint where the two halves meet and should be attached. I would buy a small piece of fiber glass cloth, cut a 2" square, and epoxy (or super glue) it to each side of his shell. Do this out of the water, while the shells are closed and aligned. Put him back in the tank when you are sure the epoxy (or super glue) has set.

Keep us posted on what you end up doing... and the outcome.

Guess I better get my flame proof suit on!

 

[itsamyheff]

I may just have to try that. Here is a pic. You can see at the left hand side of it where it does not line up.
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[Jaycen B.]

elFloyd;690549 wrote: This is just my opinion!!!! Have not tried it!!!! Have not done any research!!!!

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way... Since you may loose him anyway, Here is what I would try. Make an artificial joint where the two halves meet and should be attached. I would buy a small piece of fiber glass cloth, cut a 2" square, and epoxy (or super glue) it to each side of his shell. Do this out of the water, while the shells are closed and aligned. Put him back in the tank when you are sure the epoxy (or super glue) has set.

Keep us posted on what you end up doing... and the outcome.

Guess I better get my flame proof suit on!

I must say I like this idea, but see if you can get the clam to close up all the way first. Then put it in the sand, they like it there.

 

[itsamyheff]

That is where I am wanting to put him. I haven't because I didn't want the sand to get in from where the shell is split apart and irritate the clam. He will close up all the way. I think this is a good plan as well. Any body else want to chime in. I don't want to do damage to it, this is to save it if that is possible.

 

[mr difficult]

I would take a piece of PVC cut a large notch or in half place sand in bottom and just leave it alone for a while.

 

[irahmatulla]

I have no experience with clams! However, I know that animals have an uncanny ability to fix themselves. If you are worried about putting him on the sand, thus getting sand into the fleshy area, maybe a piece of eggcrate just below him. As clams, and other shelled creatures grow, the shell grows with them. As he expands and contracts the tension should almost cause an instinctive reaction to mend, or harden that part of his body. If not completely fusing back together, creating a new, slightly misshapen shell? I may be way off track, but the eggcrate would stop irritation and let him open and close. If he has been doing this for some time, it can not irritate him too much. Sometimes we as humans interfering cause more damage than we think. I would say +1 to if it is his time so be it. Got a bare bottom QT tank?