Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Box just delivered by FedEx

This is a mail order packaged delivered from Clams Direct on June 15th, 2006. The order is for three Tridacna crocea clams.

Here is the box just delivered by FedEx. Overall the box is in good shape, no sign of physical damage. The outer cardboard is not a wet so no indication of a leak. The box does not feel warm to the touch should not be overheated.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Inner Styrofoam Box

This is a typical inner Styrofoam box liner used with livestock shipments. Nothing special about it. Looks to be in very good shape and not reused.

The box is also sealed closed with tape which would help contain the water if there was a leak.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Inner Styrofoam Box Opened

The Styrofoam box has been unsealed and opened showing some interesting news paper stories. Have to admin it was a little creepy when I first opened the box.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Informational Sheet

This informational sheet about Clams Direct was included in the shipment.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Acclimation Instructions

They included is acclimation procedure instruction sheet.  This is the standard procedure used for many critters.

Instead of adding water directly to the bag, I like to use the drip acclimation procedure instead.

I do agree with the light acclimation procedure outlined.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Bags are well packaged

The 3 clams in this order appear to be well packaged with plenty of air and water in each bag and kept snuggled in-place with extra news paper.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Clam bag #1

I have no explanation for why this water is blue. The clam appeared healthy in the bag still.

Being that the other bags were not blue, I assume it was not an additive added at time of shipment such as a stress reliever.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Clam bag #2

The water in this bag is slightly cloudy but otherwise no issues observed in the bag and the water is not blue like the first bag.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Clam bag #3

The water is the third bag is very clear and the clam was still in the upright position and expanding and reacting nicely to being touched.

Order from Clams Direct - 06/15/2006
Clam Acclimation

Here the three clams have been partially acclimated to the tank water. Each of the clams were acclimated in their respective bags. I then moved them into a common bucket for additional acclimation with a slow drip over for an additional hour.

It also allowed me time to inspect the rim of each clam for any parasitic snails. As a precaution I gently scrubbed each clam shell to remove anything that might be attached to the clam such as snail eggs.

Pictures of the three crocea clams being light acclimated and additional follow-up pictures.