Large clam transport (pics added, and need some help)

I found a guy on craigslist that is breaking down his large tank. He is have an open house on Wednesday to sell off the contents. I spoke to him about 2-3 months ago and was able to reserve his 12" or so Squamosa Clam...


How do I transport a clam of this size for a 45 minute journey?

 

Could you use a cooler with a bait pump that runs on batteries. You can pick up the pumps at walmart. Also you could stabilize it buy putting filter foam on each side if you have that. Just a thought.

 

A 5 gallon bucket might work, or a large Rubbermaid container.

 

A friend used a white styrofoam livestock shipping container and filled it with water then ductaped it shut tight. It might be a tight squeeze for a 12" one but I think it will fit.

And when they ship the young clams out they only send them in damp bags with practically no water. This one might be okay out of water for a while?

 

Hmm... That would be clutch... I wonder if anyone has tried a clam out of water for a hour tops.. (or minimal water)

 

A 15 gallon tote is like $11 a home depot. And then you have a sweet tote

 

Like a soft cooler? I'm not sure what you are referencing.

 

Wild clam beds are sometimes exposed at low tide so it probably would be OK out of water, but you'll be stressing it by moving it anyway so why add the risk. I would suggest the cooler or tote method too. I think a cheap styro cool is your best option as you can tape the lid closed and minimize water loss...most totes don't have tight fitting lids and the sloshing of water will get your vehicle a little wet. Just try and make sure the water params in your transport container are close to the params of the water the clam is coming out of and you should be fine.

 

Agreed, plastic totes are not water tight. The disposable Styrafoam coolers could be made to be more tight and are cheaper. They can be found at Walmart

 

So it's a myth that taking clams out of the water will kill them if they suck in air?