Not looking for trouble, just confused....

[fishymissy]

As I stated earlier, I am not trying to start anything, just trying to clear this up in my mind.
In BMMack's thread, he was told that after he got rid of certain animals, that a T. Derasa clam would do well in his tank. His tank is a 28g with 2 x55watts PC's for a total of 110 watts, which equals out to (approx) 3.9 watts per gallon.
In Violet Dream's thread, she was told that the only clam that would do well in her tank is a Hippopus clam. Her tank is a 20g with 2 x65watts PC's for a total of 130 watts, which equals out to 6.5 watts per gallon.
What am I missing here?
Is it the size of the tank itself?
Again, I'm not trying to upset anyone, just wanting to understand.

 

[jim norris]

I am not sure about the other thread but in Violet's in my opinion the light she has may be ok for a hippopus and doubts about a derasa and any other type of clam. I would say again in my opinion this is also true for the other tank. both of these clams get big! So as an idea one should plan on getting a larger tank in the future. Many people keep clams in far less light with success. But the odds are against this type of success.
Jim

 

[MiNdErAsR]

I agree with Jim here. Lighting is the issue in both cases. PC lighting just doesn't provide the needed intensity no matter what size the tank.

IMO, IME

 

[fishymissy]

Thanks for clearing that up!

Some day I would like to keep some clams, but the more I research, the further away it seems. What size tank (minimum) would you recommend for an adult sized maxima and/or deresa? How long does it take clams to attain their full size (assuming they were 2" to start and had normal growth)?

Thanks for your patience!

 

[jim norris]

An adult size maxima can get to about 12 inches! A adult size derasa can get to 2 feet plus. And the BIG guy gigas can get to 3 feet and over! These guys grow about 1/2 inch a month. So if your interested in one of these I say a biggggg tank.
Jim

 

[Hammer]

Most of the larger clams hit around 10" around the 5 year mark. Gigas being the exception of course.

And as for lighting, watts per gallon is not what matters. It is intensity for a measurement of depth. Light intensity drops off dramatically with deeper water. I think I remember it being inversly squared for light intensity loss.

And 150watts of PC lighting is not the same as the Intensity of 150 watts of MH lighting.

Just my 2Ã"šÃ‚¢

 

[fishymissy]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I really appreciate it!

I will have to wait awhile before I get a clam. Right now, the only tank that could accomodate their size is the 90g, but the lighting in that is just NO (this is a lionfish tank) and I have no plans to upgrade them. The 20g is just too small for the clams even though I would be willing to upgrade the lights in that one. Sounds like I need another tank! LOL
Why is this hobby so addicting?

 

[chris_h]

And 150watts of PC lighting is not the same as the Intensity of 150 watts of MH lighting

Yea, I heard PC is better watt per watt

 

[MiNdErAsR]

Yea, I heard PC is better watt per watt

I disagree.

 

[GH Sniper]

I would say that Jim is correct to a point.... :eek1:

Ok, now hear me out.

The depth of the tank is also a serious consideration that should be taken into account. Yes, both clams are of a low light variety and would do "ok" in the tank (many members have already done this at one point and time). The serious question should be, how much light for a clam sitting at X depth in my X gallon tank? Yes, there are optimum conditions that we all strive (I hope we all do) to attain in controlled conditions.

Think about it though... Clams are in the ocean with plenty of food and light and predators and still manage to get fairly large and do quite well. They are a very hardy creature for no protection in the ocean

With that being said, yes they do better with the right light conditions in the right environment. I had a 30G tall with 190W above it and the clam about 20" under the water but it faced a window I opened everyday for additional sunlight

Just my $.02 worth...