New setup...planning for clams

[isawill]

Hello,

I am currently setting up a 135G (72x18x22) system. I really would like to keep clams in the future, so I am trying to plan my lighting accordingly.
I am looking at 2x 175W MH (probably 10K) and 2x 80W (60") T5 in single reflectors overdriven by IC660 ballast.

Would that be OK or do I have to go with 250MH? I am worried about heat mostly.
Thanks
Isa

 

[Jay03GT]

What kind of clams, and where do you want to place them?

 

[isawill]

I'd like a variety...maybe Squamosa to start, then Crocea/Maxima

 

[Jay03GT]

Are you gonna run a BB or with a sandbed? I think the Squamy will be fine, especially if you run a couple inches of sand. The crocea/maxima you may have to place up on the rock work some, which makes viewing their colors harder to do. What bulbs are you gonna run in the T5's? Are you planning a blue+ bulb or actinics of some sort?

 

[isawill]

I am palnning a 3" sandbed and I have no problem with placing other clams up on the rock some...
Yes, I was planning on 1 ATI Blue Plus and 1 Actinic for the T5.
Would that work?
Thanks for your input.

 

[username in use]

with the 14k's you could do a pair of blue+'s and ditch the actinic, and still get plenty of "blue" light, as well as little more par.

 

[isawill]

Sounds good to me...i am still flexible on the bulbs, as nothing has been ordered yet...but do you think that the 175W MH would be OK then?

 

[Jay03GT]

I think you'll be OK, since the tank is a little shallower than most. I'd agree on going with the extra blue+ bulb also. The color with just the t5 will be good, and the extra par won't hurt either. As always though, monitor your critters and if they look like they are stretching or needing more light you'll have to move them.