lighting for clams

[perky]

my lfs has a really cool blue crocea clam. They also have lots of maximas etc. What are the absolute minimum lighting requirements for these clams? (especially the crocea)

 

[mbbuna]

what lighting do u have now?a 110 is deep i would say MH 10k but im sure u will hear otherwise.

 

[Peabody]

Agreed. You're 99% looking at MH bulbs minimum...preferably 250 watt bulbs as deep a tank as you have.

 

[perky]

the 110g has got 5 clams already under T5 lighting and 2x 400w metal halides.

The maxima and the crocea I want are for a 23g nano. (quite shallow - 45cm). Currently there are four 30w bulbs over the nano. I am looking to get some more halides towards the end of the year though.

perks

 

[Peabody]

I would get the clam, put it in your big tank with halides, and THEN put it in the nano when you have the halides. I wouldn't put it under your 30w bulbs for even a short time.

 

[perky]

Even with close to 120w of lighting over the nano?

 

[Snprhed]

Wattage is not the only consideration. Par and intensity at the site where the clam will be is what should really be looked at.

 

[perky]

I am wanting to put the clam right at the top of the tank where it will get the most light. also, at certain times of the day, sunlight actually gets onto parts of my tank. Could I also get relectors to increase the light intensity? Another question, why do clams need light? don't they filter feed?

perky

 

[Peabody]

They're 99% or so photosynthetic and probably 1% filter feeders. I've seen many clams die under low lighting conditions like those 30w bulbs. (Like 3 or 4 PC bulbs, etc.) It's not the wattage...they need high PAR.

Stick with them under your MH bulbs.

 

[perky]

i was actually having an argument with my science techer about clams and corals. he said that corals and tropical clams are all filter feeders. I guess i proved him wrong!

 

[Peabody]

Most do feed, but the Tridacnid clams, and 95% of corals are primarily photosynthetic. Take away light for a few days and they'll die

 

[perky]

so most clams aren't too fusy about light as long as they get food, correct?

perks

 

[Peabody]

Wrong. Light is the most important! THey are the most light demanding creatures...beyond most corals even. Food makes up maybe 5% of the nutritional needs tops....the rest is light!

 

[Ti]

Yeh don't skimp on the light for clams.

 

[brianemone]

hi micheal

long time no see, first of all which LFS are you talking about??? cause ive been hunting for a crocea for a while

second of all since when do you have a 110g reef

third of all you can keep a clam under pc lighting but you need to have it very very high

 

[auckland]

i second that, which LFS has 400w??? not in NZ.

 

[perky]

when i was talking about the MH's i was talking about my tank. I think it was goldfish pagoda that had the crocea last time I checked. Jansens have the others and hollywoods has a maxima I think. I have just finished setting up my 110g reef. A few frags here and there and the 5 clams of course. have you guys seen that Alois (aka reef of the fnzas) is selling his tank?

perks

 

[brianemone]

well perky lets see some pics, or does your dad (who you claimed is one of the richest people in nz) still not have a digital camera or a scanner????

 

[paulpp187]

i agree mh is a must for clams to thrive and be happy many people will say the will live under vho,t-5s,pc but they will not thrive i have had so many people argue the fact that you can keep clams under all types of lighting and they'll be happy

 

[perky]

I am looking to get a 96w pc light (4 bulbs) would this be ok for clams.

brianemone: if you don't like me, why did you reply to this thread? why do you even reply to my post at all?