clam colors

[moonman]

Hi all,

I picked up some clams about a week ago. I picked up this one maxima (1.5") clam that is green and has a purple rim around it.

I really like the colors and unfortunately I didnt get a good picture of it. Now, the mantle has turned more grey.

Is there a way I could get the colors back to the way it was?
I'm currently using 14k hamiltons (250watts). By the way, the green color with purple rim was the color that was in my tank when I first put it in, and not the other tank in which I purchased it from.

Do I need to put higher/lower?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[a4twenty]

higher, they tend to lose their color under weaker lights. your 250's should be enough but how deep is your tank ( and them ) and how old are the bulbs??

 

[moonman]

It's 20" and it's under 250watts. The bulbs are about 9 months old.

I had them about midway in the tank, but I just moved them all the way down.

Jeff

 

[a4twenty]

i would try some new bulbs, most people won't go over 6 months for halides.

 

[cuong]

I don't think it's the bulb even yours is at 9 months old. The general consensus is 1 year for metal halide ~ 8 hrs/day. Clam needs strong lighting and ussually do best under 10,000k metal halide.