Transplanting a Gigas Clam

Troy V · Feb 5, 2016

Time to call upon some collective wisdom:

What would be the best way to remove a 28+ (80+ lbs) Gigas? (man power, straps, or another way)

My current 240 gallon tank has 2 center braces and there is only 20" between center braces, so can I turn the Gigas on its side without damaging it internally? The only other option would be to dismantle the center brace to make room.

Do I need to burp it?

Would it be the first thing you transplant, or last?

The new system will consist of 3 tanks. A 72" x 30" x 30" center Gigas/LPS/Zoa system, and 2-36"x30"x24" Sps tanks on either side of the 72" tank.

Thank you for your help

evolved · Feb 5, 2016

Yes you can turn it sideways; any which ways. And yes, you'll need to burp it after being out of the water.

I would do it last, just to lessen the chance of crushing something else in the tank during the process.

I wouldn't resort to removing the center brace until I had exhausted other means to lift it out. I don't have a great suggestion on how to do that besides two strong people.

R eef · Feb 6, 2016

How tall is the tank? You could hire a mechanics engine crane hoist...

Breadman03 · Feb 6, 2016

No personal experience, but I would probably do it last. Clear out the tank, then have one person in the tank to lift it up to two people standing on the floor.

Troy V · Feb 11, 2016

Thank you very much for your responses! I agree moving it last would be the best approach.

The tank and stand are 54" tall. I might have to use a hoist just to get it out of the tank, and into a position where it will be easier to get more hands under it. I am not looking forward to this project! I have been spoiled by an easy stable system. I've got to mentally prepare myself for all of the unforeseen issues that come with a "new" system.

Electrobes · Feb 11, 2016

Are you directly moving it from old tank to new tank?

Troy V · Feb 11, 2016

Electrobes said:
Are you directly moving it from old tank to new tank?

No, unfortunately I will need to put the clam and other corals in a temporary holding tank. The new tanks will be going in the same spot as the old tanks.

Electrobes · Feb 11, 2016

Ah, that's definitely going to make it a bit more tricky.

ddiver · Feb 28, 2016

Troy,
Sup dude?..didn't know you had a gigas!

They are actually pretty manageable in the water in terms of weight , if you can get a good grip on it , I bet u can maneuver the clam with one hand even...of course is recommend cradling it with both hands of possible..and try to maneuver it out any way you can...I would do last only because if you got some sand under it you're gonna stir up your tank and I'm sure your acros aren't gonna like it too much...

I've moved my clam more times than I can count and have transported 2 very large ones interstate.. Never bothered burping them and they were fine...

Ship it to me dude so we can make some gigas babies

Midasreefs · Mar 4, 2016

I have no input on how to move it, I just want to say that is an absolutely amazing clam! If you dont mind me asking, how long have you had it?

Troy V · Mar 10, 2016

ddiver said:
Troy,
Sup dude?..didn't know you had a gigas!

They are actually pretty manageable in the water in terms of weight , if you can get a good grip on it , I bet u can maneuver the clam with one hand even...of course is recommend cradling it with both hands of possible..and try to maneuver it out any way you can...I would do last only because if you got some sand under it you're gonna stir up your tank and I'm sure your acros aren't gonna like it too much...

I've moved my clam more times than I can count and have transported 2 very large ones interstate.. Never bothered burping them and they were fine...

Ship it to me dude so we can make some gigas babies

Thank you for your reply. (Do we know each other?) From what you guys are telling me, this is going to be a lot easier than I originally thought. These clams seem to be very resilient, and can handle being moved around without a problem.

Midasreefs said:
I have no input on how to move it, I just want to say that is an absolutely amazing clam! If you dont mind me asking, how long have you had it?

Thank you! I got it from a fellow reefer in Feb. 2008.

Squishie89 · Mar 10, 2016

Please do let us know how the move goes, absolutely stunning specimen you have there.

Troy V · Mar 29, 2017

So the move is finally over! It was far more work than I anticipated. I had issues with the stand colors, tank seals, foundation leveling, and a massive SPS bleaching event while they were in holding tanks. And to top it all off I almost lost the gigas at the very end. Glad its over with. Thank you all for your help.

Before

After

Troy V · Mar 29, 2017

So it was good old man power, and an automotive cargo net that won the day.

Electrobes · Mar 29, 2017

That's amazing, I actually remembered this post and am glad you updated! I am hoping to have an opportunity to buy either a 12" Squamosa or a slightly smaller Derasa on Friday. Congrats on the successful move!

Given your experience, any tips for a guy about to own a large clam? I'd love to know more about your system (This clam I hope to get will be the show piece, only six other corals will be residents in this tank.

Kentech5 · Mar 29, 2017

I have a small derasa. I cant even imagine what this clam must look like in person.

Troy V · Mar 29, 2017

Electrobes said:
That's amazing, I actually remembered this post and am glad you updated! I am hoping to have an opportunity to buy either a 12" Squamosa or a slightly smaller Derasa on Friday. Congrats on the successful move!

Given your experience, any tips for a guy about to own a large clam? I'd love to know more about your system (This clam I hope to get will be the show piece, only six other corals will be residents in this tank.

Thank you!

One of the things that surprised me about having a large clam is that they become there own ecosystem inside the reef. They will proved food several times a day to the fish when they belch, and shelter to smaller fish at night as well as during the day. This can be a problem when you have aggressive fish that like to alter their shelter by pecking at the clam's mantle to move it out of the way. I've had to remove many a fish because of this behavior. So keep your fish docile and hand feed them. Because you never know when they will become a pest in your system, or worse develop a taste for clam. I recently pulled a Regal tank that has been in the same tank for 5 years without a problem. Then over night it developed a taste for chowder.....

The system is over 500 gallons and I am using the clam as its primary filter. I have a Vertex 250 in the sump but it has been off for 2 months. The tank took a couple of weeks to acclimate but now the clam is looking great and I am feeding Tahitian blend phyto to the tank once a week for some excess nutrients. Otherwise I see little or no algae growth on the glass over the course of a week. I do use 1/4 the recommended amount of GFO every month or 2 to keep my PO4 under .05.

Troy V · Mar 29, 2017

Kentech5 said:
I have a small derasa. I cant even imagine what this clam must look like in person.

If you ever make it to San Antonio, you can come by and see it in person. But beware of Derasas they are a very fast growing clam. I had one go from under 3" to well over 12+" in just under 3 years.

July '07

April '10

Kentech5 · Mar 29, 2017

I know they can be fast growers and I'd be happy if mine did that well. Seems like justification for adding another tank with the clam as a centerpiece but it should be good in the 90 for a while.