squamosa clam spawned yesterday

[Rlumenator]

I have a 160 gal reef (prob. 120 gal of water) I have a clam that is prob 6 years old, the shell is about 12 inches now. We came home yesterday and noticed a slight cloudiness to the tank- just then, the clam spewed forth a huge cloud. This happened about every 2 minutes and went on for more than 4 hrs. the contractions were very intense, and broke the surface of the water. The water became extremely cloudy, and smelled of clam sex. We put airstones in the water, added 3 chemi pures, and a bag of carbon.and did 3 -35 gal water changes between 5:00 and 10:00. The protein skimmer was going crazy, and the sump was full of foam and sliminess.The clam continued to contract for a long time afterwards- even though at the end, we saw no more eggs or sperm. This morning I got up not knowing what I would face. The water had cleared pretty much. the sump was gooey. I drained the sump, threw out the carbon, put new in, and did another 35 gal water change. The tank looks pretty good now- so far no casualties- fish, shrimps, and stars are alive. My ammonia is above .25- not sure what to do. I added some Prime- but not sure how much to use. Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[Anonymous]

No, but man, I think I need a cigarette after reading that. :lol:

Seriously, if you've still got ammonia spiking, more water changes would be in order, along with cranking up the skimmer if possible. However! If you're having to mix it yourself, be careful with it, for me it really needs some aging for at least 24 hours. In the meantime, more carbon/Chemi-Pure, and in absence of new to replace then rinse rinse rinse (not saying that's quite effective, but it's better than nothing) it all.

How does everything look right now? Pretty wrung out after an experience like that, I'll wager.

 

[Rlumenator]

Can I use more PRIME to neutralize it? Skimmer is at max.

 

[Anonymous]

No, but man, I think I need a cigarette after reading that. :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: