help me detach a clam???

[chicki]

My girlfriend' tank did a crash awhile ago and she sent her clams (maxima) over to any person's tank for awhile. Now her tank is ready to have the clam back, but the clam has attached itself to the friends rock (huge piece). She is determined to have it back. What is the best way to detach it from where it's at???
thanks so much

 

[Reef Pinoy]

When I buy a clam or need to move one, I gently move the clam over on its side (the clam will resist movement, don't force it too much or you could hurt it) and cut the byssal attachments as close to the rock as possible with a razor blade. Just make sure you don't cut any part of the clam, like the byssal gland or foot. Better yet, if the rock he attached to is small, buy it from your friend and get him a new piece.

 

[ReefM@ster]

I've heard of people putting their clams on shells to make them portable

 

[holeinone1972]

Acrylic pieces work well also. If you see white fleshy material sticking out, touch it with your finger, that will cause it to retract. This should make seeing the byssal threads more clear. Use a sharp knife, that is clean like an exacto blade and cut the threads close to rock as mentioned above.

Best of luck, and BE careful.

Rob