Clam Lighting Question

[lpsluver]

All right...Nanotuners now has a lighting retrofit kit for the Red Sea Max. I have the option to go with a 70 watt or a 150watt HQI. Both choices can come with or without 2 PC actinics. My tank is 17" deep (to the sand bed) and I have the tank set up as a clam tank. My question to you all is, IYO...

70 or 150 watt?
12,500 k or 20,000 k bulb?
PC supplimentation or not?

I have a chiller on the system and the retro comes with much better cooling fans. I am concerned with both color and health of the clams. What is the best of both worlds?

 

[racermike27]

I would go with the 150 in the 12K range. Clams definitely like more bright white light IME. The added PC's would be a plus.

I had a maxima and a crocea under compacts in a 55g and they did well. They really kicked off when I added the halides though.

 

[Just195]

would i be able to keep a clam under a 70w sunpod metal halide?? 12g pod so it isn't deep.

 

[titus164]

70/12 = 5.83, with water displacement you should be fine

 

[ReefWreak]

I would go with the 150, but it's not going to be easy to keep the tank cool. my 24g nanocube has a 150mh about 6-8" off the water surface, with a totally open top, and it still gets up to 83ish during the day in a 75-78 degree house. The 70 will be easier to keep cool, and should provide enough light. Some people keep clams under PCs without too much of a problem, but probably up towards the middle to top of the tank. I know I could keep a clam easily in my tank with the 150. Probably on the bottom. Probably under a cheato bush...

 

[lpsluver]

Not concerned so much with heat. Between the upgraded fans and the chiller I should be fine. I want the clam colors to "pop" while not breaking the bank. The 70w option will be $40 to $100 cheaper if they will work for my clams. I have no problem spending the money if it means keeping everthing healthy.

 

[ReefWreak]

If heat isn't an issue, then there is no reason to not go with the 150w. Good luck, and keep us updated with pics!

 

[Von_Rahvin]

go with the 150, what's the 40 bucks when you are talking about keeping clams, THOSE guys are the $$ part of a tank. well that and everything else really cool that's alive.. . .

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9962154#post9962154 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
Not concerned so much with heat. Between the upgraded fans and the chiller I should be fine. I want the clam colors to "pop" while not breaking the bank. The 70w option will be $40 to $100 cheaper if they will work for my clams. I have no problem spending the money if it means keeping everthing healthy.

CROCEA AND MAXIMA(clam forum)
The minimum recommended lighting requirement for a healthy Crocea is under a 150 watt metal halide of a reliable 14k bulb at a maximum depth of 20 inches, preferably less. To be on the safer side, a 10k bulb
If you are using 250 watts and above, you can place the Crocea even deeper in your tank, or even use 20k bulbs.
Deresa
These clams are probably the most forgiving in terms of light
HOPE THIS HELPS!

 

[gasman059]

IMO 150 WITH 14 K SHOULD BE JUST FINE!

 

[lpsluver]

Thanks for chiming in Manny. I believe I will go with the 12,500 and the actinics. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to make a sump/fuge work without fear of overflow if the pump stops.

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9965381#post9965381 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpsluver
Thanks for chiming in Manny. I believe I will go with the 12,500 and the actinics. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to make a sump/fuge work without fear of overflow if the pump stops.

lol thats realy one of the easy parts.One way valve-once the overflow reaches a certain level the one way valve will prevent the disaster.

 

[Scratch-D]

Anyone having any luck with t5s?

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9967711#post9967711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scratch-D
Anyone having any luck with t5s?

Its possible- but then again I'm not a T5 fan so no opinions here.

 

[lpsluver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9967711#post9967711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scratch-D
Anyone having any luck with t5s?

The RSM comes with compact T5's but they just don't cut it with the color. I have a 7-8" Squamosa on the bottom and it seems to be doing just fine. Really, all my clams are doing okay. The colors are a little duller than I'd like though.

 

[Von_Rahvin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9965466#post9965466 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gasman059
lol thats realy one of the easy parts.One way valve-once the overflow reaches a certain level the one way valve will prevent the disaster.

except you have to maintain a oneway valve or it can fail.

 

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9968043#post9968043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Von_Rahvin
except you have to maintain a oneway valve or it can fail.

True - my heart can fail tomorow if I keep eating them Micky-D's LOL
Sorry had to do it, I'm bored and off in front of the PC>