Can I fix my clam?

[lurking]

I have had this clam around 3 years now. About 2 years ago it attatched its foot to an old turbo snail shell and has stayed ever since. Not a big deal but I have begun to slowly remove all the sand from my tank. Now the clam cant stay upright and I cant attatch it to something flat. How can I safely remove the shell from the clam with out harming the clam?

 

[BeanMachine]

Just ease it off without tearing the foot. Nice and easy...

 

[james-lee]

Ice cube maybe?

 

[KarL]

Maybe try cutting a small piece of live rock so it has a flat surface on one end. Then wedge/glue the snail shell on the other end????

 

[Tropical Reef Fish Store]

just cut the snail shell with a ban saw.

 

[lurking]

just cut the snail shell with a ban saw.

you sir are a genious!

 

[sklywag]

I would think the clam would release itself to be upright rather lying on its side. How long has it been in that position?

 

[coral diver]

No clam webbing stays permanent take the clam out of the water, cut the webbing as close as possible to the snail by using a new razor blade or exacto knife.

 

[Calreef18]

Yes cut the byssal threads with a razor blade and make sure not to cut/damage the foot. Otherwise you could cut the shell or try and direct a powerhead at the base of the clam to try and get him to detach on its own.