Looking for thoughts about lighting for a 55 gal setup designed primarily for clams and possibly some SPS. In an article by Knop in Jan 1998 Aquarium Frontiers, he says: "I strongly suggest that lamps that produce light with values over 10,000 K not be used for giant clams." He goes on to suggest that most farm raised clams seen in stores are best adapted to 6K to 7K range bulbs.
A LFS has a pretty good deal on an Aquastar-like setup with 2 HQI double ended 150 watters supplemented with 2 40 watt NO FLO actinics. The HQI's are 6700K. You can get the bulbs upgraded to 20K which I thought was a no-brainer until I read Knop's comment. I thought the 20K's would be better looking aesthetically overall, and better for the other stuff that will go in the tank, so I'm curious as to other's experiences with 10K or 20K's and clams.
Also, I could go another route and get 2 175 watt single ended 6700K or 10K bulbs.
It seems that I would be fine with 6700K bulbs but I do not like the pictures I have seen using this temp (too yellow!! ) Need thoughts from experienced clamers please.....
A LFS has a pretty good deal on an Aquastar-like setup with 2 HQI double ended 150 watters supplemented with 2 40 watt NO FLO actinics. The HQI's are 6700K. You can get the bulbs upgraded to 20K which I thought was a no-brainer until I read Knop's comment. I thought the 20K's would be better looking aesthetically overall, and better for the other stuff that will go in the tank, so I'm curious as to other's experiences with 10K or 20K's and clams.
Also, I could go another route and get 2 175 watt single ended 6700K or 10K bulbs.
It seems that I would be fine with 6700K bulbs but I do not like the pictures I have seen using this temp (too yellow!! ) Need thoughts from experienced clamers please.....