Any Clams Happy under 220 Watts?

[ndml]

Hi,

I've got a 55 gallon w/ 60 lbs of Fiji LR and was wondering if it would be possible to keep any clam under my 220 Watts of VHO light. I figure its a long shot, but who knows!

Thanks!

 

[Peabody]

A H. Hippopus would be fine, but I would be wary of anything else, even a squamosa. THrow another 2 bulbs in there and a squamosa or derasa would work

 

[ndml]

Thanks for the tip.

Are there any other color variations of this clam, or another family that has any brighter colors?

Thanks!

 

[Peabody]

No....the really bright ones (maxima and crocea) need metal halide almost without exception. They wouldn't last more than a month or two in that light probably.

Gigas, Derasa, and Squamosa are less colorful, but require less light. However, your light is still not enough. If you double it, a squamosa would be nice.

I'm afraid with your current light you are limited to H. Hippopus.

 

[ndml]

Gigas, Derasa, and Squamosa are less colorful, but require less light. However, your light is still not enough

Thanks for the reply.

I checked out the Derasa and I do like it.

Do you think if I put a Derasa up on LR about halfway up the tank it would be sufficient light with the current setup or must he be in the sand?

Thanks again!

 

[Peabody]

That's the problem. If you could put a derasa up by the lights you would be just fine. But, they are sandbed clams, and if placed on rocks, they will jump (sometimes injuring themselves or your corals/aquascaping) I learned that one the hard way with my first squamosa!

 

[Flipturn88]

Is H. Hippopus a sandbed clam? thanks.

 

[Barry N.]

Is H. Hippopus a sandbed clam? thanks

Yes

 

[MiddletonMark]

Also, a happy squamosa will grow BIG. A friend got a 3" one about a year and a half ago ... pushing 8-9" now and growing fast.