[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

[pogodzib]

Without seeing your tank, I'd much rather see the Stylo get moved or move the whole rock that the clam is attached to instead of cutting the byssal threads. If that is impossible, you can cut the byssal threads by first gently rocking the clam back and forth so that you can get a better view of the byssal threads. Be carefull to not rock the clam too far though that you rip its foot. Once the byssal threads are exposed, use a sharp exacto knife or razer blade to cut the threads as close to the rock as possible. Be careful that you are actually cutting the threads and not ripping them. As far as height goes, I keep my Crocea clam about 20" down under 250w MH lighting and it has always done great and I know someone that keeps his Crocea clam on the bottom of a 24" tall tank with only VHO lighting.