? about my clam

[stuccodude]

finally got t5 lights the 6 light setup in a 135 typ tank not a cube or anything and bought a clam 2 weeks ago, about the size of softball. the ? i have is how long would it take for the clam to show the light is not enough. he is very responsive and looks like when i got him. ive been a little hesitant getting a clam for there light needs but are nice additions to a reef tank and ive been testing calcium too almost daily, after 1 year now i have to dose calcium. i would like to buy a couple more but i need to know my lights are enough. there 30something watts per bulb, thanks and he is at the bottom on a 2-3 inch sand bed.

 

[colotl]

Put them in the middle and work your way up. You should post this question in the Tridacnid Clams and other Mollusks forum. You will get a quicker and better response.

 

[chaseracing]

Clams get something like 90% of their nutrition from the light. Be aware of this. Its hard to truly say whether or not you have enough light. Monitor the clam over time and watch for color and mantle extention. If one of these starts to weaken then you know that you may have to move the clam up higher in the tank.

My guess is that you should be ok.

-=E=-

 

[stuccodude]

i was under the impression that they need to be on the bottom for movement etc, thanks for the replies

 

[Zoophile]

How high are your lights from the bottom and what kind of clam is this? A squamosa can deal with less light than a maxima or crocea.

 

[mbbuna]

what species of clam is it?
how deep is the tank?
does the light have individual reflectors?

along with testing calcium you should also be testing your alkalinity and magnesium