How does the tilting of the clam aid in the expelling of the air? Does or have to be 45 or could you lay it on its side? Just curious the mechanics of it. But in no way do I want to exasperate this discussion.
I have seen different ways of doing it. Some people hold it at a angle like a 45. Others hold the clam and gently spin the clam clockwise or counter clockwise. With the shell facing you. Others just hold the clam flat and tilt one of the ends and very gently shaking it back and forth a little.
I place clams at greater than a 45 angle with the largest opening facing upwards. I use rocks to wedge it in this position on the crushed coral. I leave it in this position for 24 hours.
Then I move to final position the next day. Done!
Put it directly on the crushed coral so it's easily removed and moved after the 24 hours or it will attach to a near by rock.