Clam ?s

[mrcr4888]

Ok I would realy like some help. I havea tank that is doing wonderfull and I would like to trim back some of the inhabitants and make room for a clam. I was wondering what is a nice looking calm that doesent require the most lightt(I kno they all require lots though). I am planing on puting him roughly 9 in. from the lights. How many wats pe gallon minimum should I have?
Also I feed phytoplankton, which I grow, at least 2 times a week. Is this enough.


I am verey grateull for any answers.
Morgan

 

[Peabody]

Watts per gallon isn't a good measurement. I could put a bunch of incandescent lights over my tank and make it 20 watts per gallon. Doesn't mean I can keep a crocea! The key is intensity and PAR.

What size is your tanks and what kind of lights do you have?

 

[Peabody]

double post

 

[Peabody]

Sorry, something is messed up with my posting. RC seems to be having server problems....

 

[Leviathan]

Depending on what type of lights you have, and tank size-

A squamosa would be a very nice choice. They are not as light demanding as other clams.

I agree that WPG is really unimportant in general.

 

[mrcr4888]

My amin tank is roughly 6 gallons.
I curentley have 26 watts of PC. But I am willing to get more.
Also I know that this is a small tank for a clam but I like to push the limits.

 

[Peabody]

I wouldn't do it.

Squamosas and dreasas would grow twice as big as your tank.
Maximas and croceas would perish under your lighting

Sorry!

 

[mrcr4888]

well my parent wont let me get a bigger tank so I was hopping to get a samll tank raised specimen and once it started to get a bit to big for my tank I would go to my lfs and trade it in for a smaller one.
So you think my light might be sutible for Squamosas and dreasas?

 

[Peabody]

Your lighting isn't good enough. Even low light clams need tons more than you have. On top of that, clams need a VERY, stable environment with steady temp, SG, CA, and alk that a 6 gallon won't do. Have you read Knop's book on clams?

What you propose isn't a good idea, sorry It's wrong to keep an such a beautiful animal in inappropriate conditions

 

[mrcr4888]

Thanks for all of your help.

 

[Peabody]

Thanks for doing what's best for the animal. You will have a bigger tank with adaquate lights soon enough, and you can have all the clams you want. Being patient is hard sometimes, no?

 

[Leviathan]

I totally agree with peabody,

It really isnt a good idea to get ANY type of clam with that setup. I am also glad that you are going to take the advice and decided against it.