REMOVING MAXIMA FROM LIVE ROCK?

[bluetang1]

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE A 2" MAXIMA CLAM FROM LR? I'M BUYING A CLAM FROM A GUY, BUT IT IS ATACHEAD TO A VERY LARGE PIECE OF LR. I DONT WANT THE LR SO HE HAS SOLD IT TO ANOTHER PERSON AFTER I REMOVE THE CLAM. WHAT ARE MY BEST OPTIONS WITHOUT HARMING THE CLAM OR THE LR?

 

[Anonymous]

I won't concern about the rock

The best way is to take the whole piece, rock and clam, but if you can't then these are the options, from most preferable to least preferable: (I assume the clam is totally embedded in the rock).

1, cut off the part of rock with the clam on it. You will still end up with part of rock, but least dramatic to the clam.

2, chisel the rock close to the clam, and chisel the clam off the rock without hurting the attaching fiber.

3, rip the clam off. (very bad idea).

 

[eddi]

It is a really bad idea to try to remove a clam from a rock, especially maximas and croceas as they prefer to be on rocks, after it has solidly attached. I would say it can't be done, but I am sure that someone would immediately pipe up and say they did it without a problem.

Break the rock, if you can, if not take the entire piece. If you absolutely do not want the rock, let the clam go.


Eddi

 

[bluetang1]

I would like to remove the clam from the peice of rock because it is way to big for my small tank, as my tank is full as it is. I will place the clam it in my tank and put it on another piece of LR as soon as it goes in. I realize that when I remove it, I will be taking a small piece of rock that the clam is atached to. I'm really not sure what the best method it to remove it.

 

[shr00m]

the best method as mentioned is to not remove it.... i fyou have to cut a piece of the rock of with a chisel which will be a *****..... dont rip it off

 

[Unarce]

Definitely, don't pull it off.

I've done it several times using the method described by Daniel Knop, with 100% success. It's important to learn how to do this whenever the need arises (e.g. remove pyramid snails, redecorating, etc.).

As long as you can visibly see the byssal threads, you're OK. You can't perform this by touch, alone.

Find a small blade (something just as sharp as a swiss army knife). You can slightly lift up the clam a couple of degrees to get an angle, but no more than that. Use the knife to cut off the thread as close to the rock as possible, and you will avoid doing any damage to the byssal gland.

Now, enjoy your clam.

 

[jamesw]

Good advice. I have done this to remove clams, with no harm.

SIncerely,
James

 

[Yam]

IMO, chiselling the rock is more stressful to the clam. As stated above, use a sharp, sterile razor and cut the byssal gland. No harm if done properly. Oh yeah, Get D. Knop's book Giant Clams.

-Yam

 

[Unarce]

Yam,

I'm sure you didn't mean to say it, but please DO NOT cut the byssal gland.


Cut the byssal thread.

 

[Yam]

My mistake. Absolutely do NOT cut the byssal gland. Cut the threads, and as close to the rock as possible.

-Yam

 

[npaden]

If you cut the threads will the clam be able to regrow threads and attach to another rock?

Thanks, Nathan

 

[taikonaut]

Most healthy clam can regrow the threads and reattach. The important thing is to make sure you don't stress it so much and kill it before it has a chance to grow back.

 

[Unarce]

The threads can be replaced within hours.

Often times during the procedure, the clam will simply retract the byssal threads on its own. Saving the need to have to cut them yourself.