Ok I've decided

[sealover113]

Alright, I am totally adicted to clams. Now I am thinking of getting some squas or deresas under pc lighting. I have got my 135gl running today. It came with a 2 little caps which holds the bulbs and inside was a 36inch 75w twin tube flourescent reflector. In order to make that pc you have to buy just the bulbs right?? I am not getting MH because I have a cap and am worried about the heat. Also I can only find 96w pcs. Does anyone know of a place with higher watts for purchase?? I was thinking of getting the clams from clams direct. I hear they are good. I know it will be awhile until I get them but how long?? Thanks guys!!

 

[namscam]

First of all if you have just gotten your tank set up today then do not even think about clams yet. They need established tanks so you ll have to wait at least 6 months or when you think your tank is well established and stable. Second, you can not just buy the bulb and expect the ballast for those flourescent bulbs to work with any PC lighting..They need to have the same wattage. If you are gonna get Pc then you ll need to place these clams as high as possible but with PC your clams will not retain their colors. I would say get MH and if you are worried bout heat issue just go to radioshack and get a few 4inch fans to cool off the lights.

 

[Peabody]

I agree....at least wait a year after your tank has been running to add a clam. And 96 watt PCs are as high as they go. You would likely want at least 4+ of them to sustain a squamosa or derasa clam. (And don't forget as said above that you need a matched ballast for the bulbs. A 96watt PC ballast for a 96 watt PC bulb, etc) Just because you have an endcap doesn't mean you can run a bulb.

If you really want clams save yourself a lot of headache, and money too and get metal halide. (The heat can be no problem with a few small fans) You will be wanting maxima and crocea clams, I guarentee it!