how to properly attach crocea

[Joshua1023]

This clam attached to a small piece of shell with its "foot" soon after I purchased it. I would like to know if there is a safe way to detach it safely so I can atach it to something more suitable. This is my first clam. By the way I only heard of over-extending mantles on this forum yesterday. Is mine over-extended?

 

[mbbuna]

tip it to the side and cut the byssal threads as far away from the clam as you can

 

[Joshua1023]

So you think that he is over extended? If so is it wise to try to move him closer to the lights. I have 2 mh hqi 150watt 20k bulbs, and two 20" 40 watt dual pc's with dual daylight and dual actinic bulbs in each. Is it really bad for them to be "over extended", or is that a normal responce that allows them to cope with lower light levels?

 

[mbbuna]

i would move it up to at least mid tank. it not really a "normal response" it 's an indication that it need more light

 

[Joshua1023]

Thank for the tip mbbuna. Just one more question. The shell that it is attached to is only the size of a quarter. Should I try to pull the shell fragment away from the crocea to expose the byssal threads? Or maybe just epoxy him to some live rock higher up with that shell atached still?

 

[mbbuna]

dont pull on the shell. i would just find a flat spot and place the clam there. if it likes the spot it will attach

 

[Joshua1023]

Thanks for all the advise, mbbuna. I will try that this evening.

 

[mbbuna]

your welcome

good luck