Is there a way to remove a clam off a shell?

[WGardiner]

I have a crocea that i had placed in a shell from a maxima that died a year ago. The question is, how would I remove the clam from the shell without damaging the clam. I'm not moving it now but I will in the near future and I want it to attach itself to a rock and not the shell. Any advice is welcome.

heres a pic.

Thanks,
Will

 

[NYCBOB]

use ur finger and slowly massage and wiggle the clams foot until it lets go. it works fairly well. just dont forcely pull the foot off. is that bubble algae next to the clam?

 

[moliken]

lots of methods to try before cutting, which isn't too difficult either. if nyc's way doesnt work, tilt clam one way and squirt with cold tank water in a baster or massage with a couple of frozen sw ice cubes

 

[WGardiner]

Thanks guys I will try your suggestions. NYCBOB it is bubble algae that piece of rock has had a bubble algae problem from when I first set up the tank.

 

[reefpix352]

Tridacna clams can not "let go." If the clam decides to move after attaching it's byssal threads, it can eject the whole byssal mass (big white fluffy thing) but that's not something you want to encourage.

Once they have cemented down their byssal threads, you need to cut them (but be careful not to cut the foot).

Cheers
James

 

[NYCBOB]

Tridacna clams can not "let go." If the clam decides to move after attaching it's byssal threads, it can eject the whole byssal mass (big white fluffy thing) but that's not something you want to encourage.

Once they have cemented down their byssal threads, you need to cut them (but be careful not to cut the foot).

Cheers
James

dont cut it. i hv use my method many time, including my 6 inch crocea. it works like a charm. cutting it is the last resort. the bubble algae can be taken care of if u siphon it during water change. just make sure u dont pop the bubbles.

 

[moliken]

yep, cut only if everything else fails. try after lights go out as they may relax a bit then also.

 

[ClamsOnDemand]

Its best just to leave it where it lies. If you risk the chance of damaging the flesh under the clam it could kill it all together.

 

[240z]

why move it? I would just glue two larger rocks on both side on the dead sheild for support when it gets bigger.

 

[ClamsOnDemand]

ummmm ok haha.

 

[moliken]

it doesnt need any more support. have u tried getting it off yet?