Clams and PCs

[smy168]

So I guess I'm back and I have some questions....

I'm experienced in clam tanks but I'm setting up one of those new Aquapods, 24 gallon with built in everything. The lighting will be 64 watt of PC and the depth on the tank is about 19 inches, since I plan on using a DSB of 4-6 inches that means the level of light to sandbed will be about 14-12 inches and since I'm used to placing Clams on rockwork the clams would be about 6-10 inches from direct light, would this be adequate enough for me to do a Max or Crocea? I've done Clams in the past running under 250 to 400 watts of MH but I've seen people post here with success under PCs as long as the ratio of placement to light source wasn't huge.

I understand that MH is the best option according to the needs of any clams and I'm sure everyone here will be telling me the same thing but I'm just not going to upgrade because of 2 things..

1. the system is simply built complete
2. I wanted to see if 64 watts of pc at less than 10 inches of depth would be functional.

any other coral suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Steven

 

[grimmjohn]

My favorite discussion () : )
I'd be on your side with bells on if you had a few more watts, but as is I'm leaning toward not trying it, especially since half of your watts are probably going to be actinic, but none of us can stop you () : )
Do you think that you're gonna have ~200 PAR where you place your clam?

I would cetainly be interested in the PC success stories or PAR data if you have a link to some () : )

Cheers,

grimmjohn

 

[smy168]

more lighting

more lighting

I took a close look at the hood of the AquaPod 24 and I think(yes thinking is tough for me) that I may be able to squeeze additional lighting in(something I planned on doing anyway). I may be able to squeeze at least a 32watt retro into the hood with the 64 that it currently holds. Not sure about the PAR but I think if I place the clams higher (6 inches?) and run roughly 96watts of PC then it may...maybe, work out. Either way, I'm going to give it a shot.

Worse case I'll turn the pod into a Monti-plate tank and it'll be just as cool.

 

[smy168]

ok, so just to update anyone interested...spoke with someone today from nanocustoms and they may actually be able to put 200 plus wattage into a Pod 24 hood...

 

[fishieness]

dont the aquapods have a model with a 150 watt MH?

 

[smy168]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6377498#post6377498 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishieness
dont the aquapods have a model with a 150 watt MH?

They do, I just prefer something with a hood rather than open top. Additionally, i'm just not willing to pay 700.00 for a system that's meant to be "best bang for the buck". You can build a system with a 150WT DE MH (oceanlight) for less than what Current USA is charging for the Pod 24 w/ 150.

 

[BrookR1]

I've seen a maxima grow under PC lighting, but the guy had his tank set up in front of a window, so his tank received a few hours of sunlight per day. EVERYTHING grew in that tank.