PLEASE HELP.... advice needed

[CoralKing]

I just posted this in the nano-forum, but I think I should have posted it here...:

I'm about to set up my 10g aga, and am about to purchase an Oribit 2x40 watt lighting setup (80 watts total). I was at my lfs, today, and told the guy there about my plans. He told me that i would easily be able to keep a 'less demanding' clam, such as a Derasa, with my 80 watts. I was under the impression that MH's were the way to go to keep clams. I'm wondering, however, if I place a Derasa directly under the light, elevated so it's closer to the surface, will I be able to keep it?

THanks,
Joe

 

[CoralKing]

^

 

[Peabody]

Here's the problem. That is boarderline light strength for a lower light clam like a derasa, but derasa's are not suitable for such a small tank. They get huge and are too demanding chemically. Hate to say it, but the only clam you might be able to get away with is H. Hippopus. I still wouldn't do it myself.

 

[CoralKing]

I probably won't go for a clam, then. Just out of curiosity, would the 96watt power quad allow me to better keep a clam than the 80 watt current would? What type of difference would the 16 watt difference make?

Thanks
joe

 

[Peabody]

That wouldn't really do anything. If you got a 70w metal halide bulb you could keep a smaller maxima clam do to the high PAR of the bulb. They stay smaller, but there are many husbandry considerations outside of light to keep in mind.