How can I move a clam that is attached

[todd williams]

I have clam that has attached its 'foot' to a piece of live rock. My large green carpet anenome has decided it was not happy and moved half way across my tank and has taken up residence right beside the clam. It does not appear to be stinging it but it is covering it half up.
I have tried to move the clam but it is firmly attached to the rock.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to dislodge it without hurting it??

I really love the clam and have had it for atleast 5 years or more. I don't want to force it and risk injuring it.

Thanks to any suggestions

Todd

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[negia22]

why not break the rock where it's foot is attached, i've seen it done before when I bought some ricordea to another reefer. GL

 

[DiscusHeckel]

Hi,

It is not difficult to remove a clam that is attached to a rock. Firstly, you must avoid twisting the clam. Secondly, you must also avoid pulling the clam. Any of these actions might damage the clam's foot beyond repair.

I would proceed as follows:

Firstly, find a sharp razor blade like the ones used for shaving. Alternatively, get a surgical grade blade.

Secondly, tilt the clam to side way (say left), so that you can see it byssal threads that are used to attach the clam to a rock structure. Cut the sections of the threads as close to the attached surface as possible and as far away from the clam's foot as possible.

Finally, repeat this procedure by tilting the clam to other side (say right).

I hope this helps you.

:wavehand:

 

[usmc121581]

When I kept clams and anenome's that needed to be moved I would use an ice cube. I would gently place the ice cube near the base of the animal and watch how it tries to move away. I would not recommend using any old ice cube, if possible make one with Ro/Di water if possible. That way as it melts it wont be an issue.

 

[todd williams]

Thanks

I feel a bit guilty as I did try to pull it gently free. A guy from LFS told me that would work. It did not and I was not going to pull hard enough to risk injury. I was also told about the cutting method. It is in a awkward position to try and gain access to the threads. I will try to excavate a little and see if I can get at them. I do have a scalpel so cutting is not a problem

The ice cube method sounds interesting. When you say 'near' I assume you mean not touching? I might give that a try if I can gain access .

Breaking the rock is not a option as it is at the bottom of the reef and that is one house of cards I dare not try to move the bottom card from!:crazy1:

Thanks I will try these.

Todd

 

[usmc121581]

Thanks

The ice cube method sounds interesting. When you say 'near' I assume you mean not touching? I might give that a try if I can gain access .

Thanks I will try these.

Todd

What you want to do is touch it, but do not leave it on there, it could hurt the clam. That is what I would try first, just so you don't hurt it while cuttin it. If it doesn't work and you really want to move it, use a very sharp scalpel and cut the threads as close to the rock as possible. The ice cube works great though I have only had to cut one clam off a spot.

 

[moliken]

careful w/icecube. freeze some tank water if you can. use fresh water only in a baggie

 

[todd williams]

Success! I tried the ice cube method but that did not work for me. Part of the foot was attached to a old turbo shell that made it very difficult to get access to the foot. I had a tough time getting a clear view of where to cut. I just took my time a scraped along the surface of the rock a tiny bit at a time. It eventually let go and apparantly seems no worse for wear.

Thanks for the tips. They really helped me. My clam now has a new more prominent home.

Just curious why are you so nervous about a ice cube? or a tiny bit of tap water melting in the tank.??

 

[usmc121581]

[/QUOTE]Just curious why are you so nervous about a ice cube? or a tiny bit of tap water melting in the tank.??[/QUOTE]

I just never try to put anything in my tank that I dont know whats in it, just one of those things I try not to do. Especially with my Tap water, I live literally 3 miles from the treatment plant, so when you turn on my faucet you can smell the chlorine. I called and asked and was told that they have to maintain a certain ppm thoughout the whole system and since I live so close I have a higher dose then what people have further.

 

[moliken]

yeah, sometimes it takes a few melts to get it loose. don't want sht water in the tank

 

[todd williams]

Oh my! That does not give you confidence in your water. Where I come from in Canada tap water is great. With the exception of a couple of weeks a year in the summer there is never a smell of any kind. Now, I still use a 4 stage RO for the tank, because I don't want unwanted algae blooms or chlorine, but a ice cube is not going hurt anything in my tank.

I guess I should consider myself lucky.

The clam I moved is seems perfectly fine today. So thanks again for the tips.

Todd