moving/removing a clam

[futureeyedoc]

So my clam has been growing great up until about a week ago in my smaller/2ndary tank...
recently I'm pretty darn sure this particular 14k 150w halide bulb has run it's course so a new one is on the way soon...
I've also kinda neglected that tank in comparison to my display thanks to board exams, etc...

Anyways, It's very obvious that the clam is not happy in the tank, and I'm pretty sure a lot of it is the halide isn't putting out enough par @ the right wavelength anymore....

so I want to move it to my display tank, however it's really attached good to the top of a rock that I can't move out of the tank.... the underside of the rock houses two bta's that my clown hosts in....


what's the best way to get it off the rock? I've tried just lightly lifting it off but it's got it's foot stuck in there really good....
I've heard about lifting it up and then sort of "cutting" off part of it's foot but that sounds pretty extreme?

HELP! I don't want to injure it getting it detached but I fear it will die very soon if it doesn't get moved to my display tank!

THANKS

 

[The0wn4g3]

First of all, if possible, always place a small rock under the clam. Makes the whole moving process much easier.
The best way I know of to move a clam is similar to a snail. Lift the clam up slightly and rotate it about 45-60 degrees back and forth. It takes some patients, but it's always worked for me. Sometimes you can be twisting for 5 or 10 minutes, but eventually it will release from the rock. Remember to be veeeeery gentle.
Another method I've never tried would be to put something over half of the clam to block the light. The clam should move out from under the shade and into more light, where you have a well placed rock

That's only if you really think it's on the verge of death. if the clam is really in stress do to a decrease in light, it should detach itself and move to a higher spot on the rock. I would highly recommend against trying to move the clam, and either lower the lights or increase the quality of the water.

Best of luck!

 

[futureeyedoc]

ok, thats what I thought.... took a few minutes but worked like a charm...

he had already moved to the highest part of the tank so at this point it was time....
already opening up and on a small rock in the new tank....
here's to hoping he makes the transition well