Lighting...again...

[fireborn230]

So things are going really well on my 16 bow. I got the backside drilled and my drain installed...im in the process of intalling my overflow but now i seriously have to look at lighting. Like i mentioned in the earlier lighting post i am a college student and i cant go all out on metal halides like i would like because of the power consumption. I am looking to keep corals like xenia, mushrooms, polyps and various other cool things i can find, even possibly a clam if lighting will let me. I am looking to put 130w over the tank and i really want to put more but idk if i can. Do you guys think thats enough lighting to support/grow things very well in that size tank? Any imput is appreciated! Thanks! -Russ

 

[Pillz]

Clams wont make it under PC. But if you look around there was a guy on the for sale section selling a 175watt MH with bulb ballast pendant everything for 100 bucks, I know that thats still less than a 130 watt pc. But if you just want some softies then 130 is plenty.

 

[fireborn230]

i would jump on that 100 dollar offer for the MH but i have to keep energy down for while im at school. Do you think i need to go higher than 130w or do you think thats sufficent?

 

[aural]

PC lighting + clam = bad idea.

just dont do it.

 

[fireborn230]

why dont PCs agree with clams?

 

[tripstank]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6948072#post6948072 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pillz
Clams wont make it under PC. But if you look around there was a guy on the for sale section selling a 175watt MH with bulb ballast pendant everything for 100 bucks, I know that thats still less than a 130 watt pc. But if you just want some softies then 130 is plenty.

I have 80 watts (PC) over my 10 gal and my Crocea(which I have had for 6 months now) and is doing great! Always open and has added many ridges to his shell.

 

[tripstank]

Derseas from what I am told do not have such extreme lighting conditions as some of the other Trdacna clams.

 

[fireborn230]

so would it be safe to say that 130w would be more than enough for my tank? (16 bow) i am looking at getting some new lights and im just wondering if the one light will be enough or should i be going for somthing higher...?

 

[tripstank]

I personally have not had a problem, however, I am sure someone out there is going to tell you different. I know from experience that the better equipment you can afford, the better off you are. If you are into DIY, there are a lot of affordable options. Check out the DIY forum, I am sure someone there can help you out with something affordable. As far as the wattage is concerned, I am not sure what would work best. I am just going off of personal experience with my tank. Don't forget, there is also the t-5 option, but the minimal bulb length is 24" And require less wattage than MH.