Relocate a Tridacna crocea

[emora]

I have been keeping a T. crocea for nearly two years. Its firmly attached to the rockwork in my tank.

A Stylophora coral has grown to the point where its seriously encroaching upon the clam. Part of the crocea's mantle is continuously bent over.

I obviously have to move one of the two. The clam is the best candidate.

This brings some questions to mind:

1) What is the best way to cut the byssal threads away from the rockwork without causing damage to the byssal gland? I dont have much room to work and the rock surface is very irregular. Is there some way to get the clam to extend those threads or loosen its grip on the rock? Can I slide a thin razor/cutter blade betwen the clam and the rock? Will that risk tamage to the byssal gland?

2) I'm considering another sopt for the clam lower in the tank. It is currently about 14" from the surface. It's new spot will be about 20". Could this change in lighting be dangerous for the clam? My lighting is 250W metal halide. I was thinking of lowering my lamp/reflector to reducing the distance from the surface to help make up for the light change. I can easily drop 6+ inches.

Is there anyting else I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Enrique

[jmaneyapanda]

I suggest just fragging the stylo. While moving a clam isnt especially difficult, it is stressful. You clam is content where it is, so I would suggest leaving it. If you insist on moving it, you'll want to cut AS FAR FROM THE CLAM as you can. The close you go, the more likely of damaging the byssus.

In regards to the lighting difference, this is exactly the stresses I am speaking of. While six inches may not seem like much, the difference in PAR will likely be very significant. I cant say if it will or wont work, but I think it likely your clam may suffer a little.

Once again, I vote leave the clam, trim the SPS.

[emora]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Originally posted by jmaneyapanda
I suggest just fragging the stylo.

This is also a possibility. I may very possibly take this route. Nonetheless, I will most likely be in the same boat again in a few months.

In regards to the lighting difference... While six inches may not seem like much, the difference in PAR will likely be very significant.

Yep. That's why I was considering lowering the lamp to reduce the difference in PAR.

Thanks again.

[emora]

My primary concern is how to cut the byssal threads without damaging the byssal openning.

Several aquarists have mentioned I should gently "rock" the clam and carefully cut the threads.

I have very good access to one side of the clam. The other side is flanked by the coral.

Will I be ok doing this just from one side of the clam?
Is there any degree of elasticity to the bysall threads?

Thanks again

Enrique