Moving Clam Upright?

[Macbalacano]

I have a 4-inch squamosa clam that is just on the sand. Occasionally snails and my conch will tip it over on its side between 30 - 80 degrees. Should I be the one to move it back upright or just leave it alone? Its never put its foot down but seems super happy, it's been steadily growing (about to rows of new growth per month) and fully open.

 

[Macbalacano]

bump

 

[vetteguy53081]

give it a cradle or form one out of plaster.

 

[polyppal]

I would place him back upright so his mantle is facing the light. He might not be able to get a footing because of the sand, you might want to place a rock or something under him to attach to (if he cant get to the glass)

 

[Macbalacano]

give it a cradle or form one out of plaster.

Thanks! I did try putting him on a clam holder/cradle but he never attached and just kept "hopping" off it. So i gave up and just left him on the sand.

 

[Macbalacano]

I would place him back upright so his mantle is facing the light. He might not be able to get a footing because of the sand, you might want to place a rock or something under him to attach to (if he cant get to the glass)

Thanks! I did try putting him on a clam holder/cradle but he never attached and just kept "hopping" off it. So I gave up and just left him on the sand. Maybe, I'll try a more flat piece of rock? But I've read its not necessary, except for being able to stay upright I guess! haha

 

[polyppal]

Thanks! I did try putting him on a clam holder/cradle but he never attached and just kept "hopping" off it. So I gave up and just left him on the sand. Maybe, I'll try a more flat piece of rock? But I've read its not necessary, except for being able to stay upright I guess! haha

I just looked it up, don't think there's any reason for concern sounds like sometimes Squammys don't anchor themselves. As it gets larger im sure he'll stay in place much easier...

 

[Macbalacano]

I just looked it up, don't think there's any reason for concern sounds like sometimes Squammys don't anchor themselves. As it gets larger im sure he'll stay in place much easier...

Thanks! Ya I kept reading conflicting things about people saying that they might starve if you kept them on their side VS. just leaving them alone to figure it out by themselves.

Guess I just gotta hope he grows faster! But not too fast or else I might need a bigger tank LOL

 

[vetteguy53081]

If its moving it is responding to lack of or too much light or water flow. They do not have to have a cradle. Its more of a helper rock. As long as it gets light and food, its not in danger

 

[Macbalacano]

If its moving it is responding to lack of or too much light or water flow. They do not have to have a cradle. Its more of a helper rock. As long as it gets light and food, its not in danger

Thanks! Ya he doesn't move now ever since I got rid of the holder underneath him that he never attached to. The only reason gets moved around is because my conch will bump him or a snail will be cleaning its shell.

 

[Alexopora]

give it a cradle or form one out of plaster.

I had no idea that clam cradles were a thing. I had to diy something for my crocea. A sort of clam crib.

 

[Macbalacano]

I had no idea that clam cradles were a thing. I had to diy something for my crocea. A sort of clam crib.

looks nice!

 

[Doctorgori]

...what @vetteguy53081 just said
yeah i had that issue...maybe try propping a couple of snail shells or rocks on each side; for now anyway

 

[DeniseAndy]

With squammies I would just move it upright a bit. If the conch continues to move it, stabalize with a rock or shell. They get big fast and it will eventually not be able to be so easily moved. All my clams are on the sand.

 

[OrionN]

Squamosa, Gigas and Derassa do not attach to any structure as they get older. They rely on their mass to keep stationay. At 4+ inches and growing, your Squamosa will reach this stage soon. I would just right him up whenever you need with a stick (I don't like to put my arm in my tank). Soon nothing will be able to tip him over.