Clam removal question

[Sndwave80]

Is there an easy way to remove a clam from live rock without damaging the foot?

[Loverotties]

Try a ice cube.

[Neuticle]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Try a ice cube.

^I don't think they have the ability to retract those fibers.

You can scrape around the base with a knife, or chip off a chunk of rock, like harvesting mussels.

[ckusnierek]

I would not risk trying to remove one.

You could PM whiskey, he is the resident calm "expert"

[Sndwave80]

Thanks everyone!

[crvz]

There are a couple of tricks. The first is to just rock it back and forth SLOWLY... it may take 10-20 minutes of rocking, but eventually it will come up. The other choice is to use a blade. Usually this is safer to do if you can access the foot well, as you don't want to cut too high, but I have often sliced a clam off the floor of my barebottom tank with a razor under the foot. Never has it been an issue.

[wharyat]

I second the razor, usually the fastest and safest way.

Make sure you keep a tight grip on them, depending on size, they can really suck down to the rock and keep you from sliding the razor underneath.