Moving a clam that's attached to the substrate?

[pjr]

I am considering a tank breakdown, which would require moving a few clams. A few have attached themselves to the bottom of the tank How do I move them without damaging them?

 

[simonh]

I presume by 'bottom of the tank' you mean the glass base? If so then you are going to have to cut the bysal threads. To do this use a new clean razor blade. Try to gently lean the clam slightly (don't pull it) so you can get the razor blade against the glass. Ensure the tissue around the bottom of the clam is retracted (usually touching it gets it to pull in a little). Then cut a few of the threads and as you do so you will be able to lean the clam further to cut the rest of the threads. Be very careful to make sure you don't cut into the soft fleshy tissue around the base of the shell.

Hope this helps. I know it sounds scary but is fairly simple as long as you take time and be gentle