MH Light Design for Clams

[Kirk_M]

I was interested in purchasing a MH system from Hellolights.com. They have two reflector types, one being similiar to the ICECAP spiderlight reflector, and the other being a flat piece of polished aluminum with edges that curve over. What reflector design would be BEST at dispersing light over an entire aquarium. I have a 48" long tank, 72 gallon bowfront. Please check out the designs there, under retrofit systems:

http://www.hellolights.com/retligsys.html

THANKS!

Also, what brand of bulbs and color Kelvin rating do most clamkeepers use? Is XM brand good (it is inexpensive, and I often question quality in reefkeeping if it is cheap)? I have read that for Croceas and Maximas, anything over 10000K rating is wasted, as these clams live in fairly shallow water (15 meters and shallower, average), and that the color spectrum at this depth is best simulated by a 10000K bulb.

 

[Typhon]

The spider-like reflectors that Hellolights.com are much better than the flat sheets. The parabolic reflecter will focus more of the light into your tank.

What is the depth of your tank??

I have been using XM bulbs now for about 5 months. I have had great result with them. I have 4 clams (3 maxima, 1 Crocea) that are thriving under them.

 

[Kirk_M]

The spider-like reflectors that Hellolights.com are much better than the flat sheets. The parabolic reflecter will focus more of the light into your tank.

What is the depth of your tank??

I have been using XM bulbs now for about 5 months. I have had great result with them. I have 4 clams (3 maxima, 1 Crocea) that are thriving under them.

It's about 21" deep. What color temp are you using for your clams?

 

[Typhon]

With a depth of 21" I recommend going with 250w MH because 175w MH are only able to pentrate down 18" of water.

I am using 20k bulbs.

Good Luck!!!