6x96W bulbs over a 135 enough for what?

farbeyonddriven77

farbeyonddriven77

New member
Hello all, I've been looking at clams for a long time but never had the nerve to get one, and I am very interested in them. As usual, with anything in this hobby, you get a different response from everyone you ask. So, I'm asking the real experts here in RC. I have been very successful in keeping everything I've ever tried, but I don't want a false sense of security when it come to animals like this. So I guess my question is, when placed approximately 8" from the water's surface with this lighting, what types of clams will thrive in my tank? Also, any reading references would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Chris
 
That's very little light over that size tank.......

You can give a shot at a Derasa or Squamosa high in the tank.. Good luck.
 
4.3 WPG isn't enough? Like I stated before, I've been very successful with everything else, maybe just luck? I guess I will be looking into a halide kit that will fit into my canopy, but it's unlikely. Thanks for your response. Are there any books that you know of that would provide good info?
 
First off, Watts per gallon is a TERRIBLE rule of thumb, infact don't ever use it again... EVER... It depends on the intensity of the bulbs... And 4 96 watters over a 135 is just not intense enough for a Maxima or a crocea, and if you were at it, SPS....

I can see where you could get some maxima's and croceas at the top with like a 400 watter with those pc's on the 135.... But you'd need 2 400 watters depending on if the 135 is long or short, or wide.....:)
 
First off, Watts per gallon is a TERRIBLE rule of thumb, infact don't ever use it again... EVER... It depends on the intensity of the bulbs... And 4 96 watters over a 135 is just not intense enough for a Maxima or a crocea, and if you were at it, SPS....
Click to expand...
How does the tank size effect the intensity of the bulb? You said yourself that the "Watts Per Gallon" Rule isn't a correct way of determining lighting requirments. How is 4x 96wt PC's less intense on a 135 gallon tank? 4x96wt PC's is still going to be 4x 96wt PC's, no matter what tank you put the lighting under. The only difference is going to be the depth of the tank.

I personally wouldn't put any clam under flourecent lighting. If you had to, as Lebowski already stated, a T. derasa or T. squamosa would be good choices. T. gigas and T. Hippopus.

In nature, T. gigas is found in deeper waters where pH, temperature, and salinity are extremely stable. It is therefore paramount that you aim to keep these parameters as stable as possible. T. hippopus is also found in lower-light conditions, although both can get extremely large.

Graham
 
I have to agree with lebowski on this one. PC's and halides just aren't comparable for clam keeping. Also, I too hate the wpg "rule of thumb" when it comes to clams or sps. The light just doesn't reach the clam/coral the same way. Point-source vs. diffuse-source illumination. For example, my 40br has a 400w 10k halide, and 2 vho actinics; roughly 15 wpg. however, the bulb is over a foot off the water for even light distribution (and cooling). This might seem like overkill, but it's what I need for clams and acros. Don't get me wrong, I agree that vhos or pcs (in sufficient quantity and close proximity) are enough for derasas and squamosas, but even these clams do better and grow faster under more lighting, which more closely replicates conditions they would otherwise naturally have. good luck.
 
px. if you can't find a retro kit, you're not looking hard enough. There are a plethora of different kits available; just check out some of the vendors on RC.


pps. once you have halide lighting, you won't ever feel the same, or talk about watts per gallon.
 
If you MUST try a clam, I would suggest a Squamosa or Derasa as they are less light demanding that Crocea and Maximas.

I agree with the MH route. The reason why I upgraded my lights to MH from PC's was to keep clams.
 
Thanks for all of your replies. First off, I have 6 96W bulbs. Reguardless though, I understand that it would be who of me to try to find a retro for halides. I understand that there are hella retros out there, trust me, I know, I have been looking FOR EVER. My problem is that, there is not enough room, front to back to fit a halide reflector. My hood is barely wide enough to fit 3 individual PC reflectors form PFO as it is. My lighting is only about 4" from the surface of the water, and has worked great, which is probably a big part of the reason I haven't been aggressively looking for a retro for my tank. I never said that I MUST try a clam, I merely said that I was looking into them. And this is why I have come here with my question. This doesn't have to turn into a heated discussion. I love it here at RC and I completely respect the opinions from the people here, but please don't jump to the conclusion that because I simply asked a question, I am going to go out and buy 3 of every type of clam out there before I do some research. If everyone could refer back to my original post, I said " What types of clams will THRIVE in my tank?" I don't want something to merely survive, I want all of my animals to be happy:D Again, thanks for the replies, keep em' coming.
Chris
 
Okay let me rephrase myself. If you WANT or an thinking about trying a clam, I would suggest a Squamosa or Derasa as they are less light demanding that Crocea and Maximas.

My intent was never to flame you. I dunno why you think that I was??? I was just giving you advice based on what you asked. How you take it is up to you.
 
fish-o-holic

fish-o-holic

My last post wasn't directed at you, it was pretty much the thread as a whole, the whole vibe of it was going downward. Just the tones, I didn't feel as if I were being flamed, just that people were jumping to conclusions. Are there any retros that will fit my situation that you know of? or do you think that I could mod the typical "spider" type reflectors to fit by cutting the outside flaps off? My only concern would be the heat factor right next to my PC's Again, I apologize for the tone take by me, and it was not meant as a retaliation.
Chris
 
First off he said 6x 96 watts, not four, second if your tank is long and not the 130 or 135 show tank cant remember what you said, what you have is fine, if it is less than 24 inches deep than again you are fine. Keep us updated. Good luck!
 
How does the tank size effect the intensity of the bulb?
Click to expand...

WEll obviously, if the tank is larger, there is more volume... :rolleyes: meaning more room and space that the light needs to travel through... Compare the intensity of a 55 watter on a 15 gallon, and a 55 on a 100gal... There is a difference...

I don't personally follow the watts per gallon rule. That's just my personal way, and many others.. It's very inaccurate...
 
alguy

alguy

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your answer. I believe my tank is right at 24" tall. But the clams, if I were to get them would only be about 6 to 8" from the surface. I am still going to try to find something I can modify to fit in some halides. I would think that double ended would fit well, unfortunately, ther would be no way to put a lens over the bulbs to protect from radiation.
 
You will definitely need to be careful if you find a way to mount the MH's 4" above the waterline. When I built my canopy, I aimed for 8-12" so 4" might be pushing it but certainly it can be done.
 
I would love to just build a new canopy, but I know I will have a hard time matching the wood color. Right now, it's an ugly yellow oak. Geez, it's hard to decide whether to put new carpet and doors in my house, or spend$$ on my tank.
 
I know whatcha mean. I feel the same way sometimes. I say do what is more "important" to you right now.

If you decide to build a canopy, you could always strip down the finish of the stand and apply new stain so it would match. It will take a bit of work but if done right, you'll be happy.
 
LOL. Once you get started in sw, they're no turning back. I would at least attempt making the canopy first. To me, it seems like you want to get the lights first then work on fixing up your place second.

Just be forwarned, you'll be spending approximately $250-300 for each 250w retro-fit kit. So look at around $1000 for the 3 MH lights alone plus the costs of your canopy materials.
 
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