Moving a clam

[Hilltop Aquariums]

I’ve had this clam for over 2 years. It has moved itself about half way under the rocks. My tank is bare bottom and I looked under the tank and I can see the foot is stuck to the glass. What’s the safest way to get it to unstick it’s foot without hurting it?

 

[MERKEY]

If it's just glass a new sterilized razor blade will work just fine as far as I have researched.

That meteor is cool on the glass like that :)

 

[Hilltop Aquariums]

Thanks, the meteor is a pretty big patch and growing like a weed! Do you think the clam will move back out on its own if it’s not happy under there?

 

[Hilltop Aquariums]

It used to be next to the other clam then it worked it’s way to this spot, now it’s heading under the rock.

 

[MERKEY]

Ya unfortunently they will move again if not happy. Is there a particular reason u dont want him there?

 

[MERKEY]

Maximas like to be next to and on rocks. Certain species in the wild bore into rocks and grow set in a rock.

I see he is getting a bit of shadow in that area but do you know the par?

 

[Hilltop Aquariums]

I was thinking about moving it because it’s not opening as wide as it normally does in the shaded part. I haven’t checked the par where it is. I let a friend borrow my seneye and waiting to get it back from him.

 

[MERKEY]

Silly clam...that is frustrating. It's hard to tell with clams. Depending on how long he has been there he could just still be getting set. If he has been there for a week and still not opening I would opt for moving. But you may want more opinions ;)

 

[Hilltop Aquariums]

Thanks for the advice! It’s been there for 3-4 days now. I’m definitely watching it close.

 

[DSC reef]

I would definitely get that clam some more light. You could place it on a moveable piece of rock and once it attaches it will make moving the clam much easier.

 

[OrionN]

Just use a pair of scissors and cut the thread and you can move it anywhere you need to. Razor blade works fine too. Sterilization is not needed but make sure the scissors does not have chemical on it, like oil or WD-40, on it.
Or you can move the rock structure a bit to get it more light. That clam does not look healthy, no grow on the shell, and will not last long as is.

 

[Hilltop Aquariums]

Is there a certain kind of scissors that you’re talking about?

 

[OrionN]

anything sharp