power compacts for clams

[bigworm616]

ive never kept a clam before but i really want to. Which species of tridacna would i be able to keep under 4 96 watt power compacts over a 75 gallon tank. im almost positive its 21" tall.

 

[H^2 Salt]

in one of tanks i just use pc and all my clams to great...this is an exception though(33g,,,,,shallow)....i would get a dersa in your case...be the best bet.

 

[M.Maddox]

Deresa, squamosa. Also remember that actinics really don't have any PAR, so your light is effectively halved if you're running 50% actinics.

 

[bigworm616]

i realize that actinics dont count so im going to replace the actinic bulbs with 50/50 bulbs. would i be able to keep a maxima or crocea if i kept it higher up in the tank?

 

[Scuba Dog]

that has been a debate on reefcentral of late...IMO no..one would need at least T5s or Halides...its my personal choice...

 

[Peabody]

Here to chime in.... I agree with Scuba Dog. I've seen many people try maximas and croceas under similar lighting setups. THey almost enver make it past the 6 month mark. I had a friend who had a beautiful, thriving 55g tank with 4X96w PCs. He couldn't get a max to last past 6 months when derasas and squamosas, as well as corals would thrive.

On a 75, I'd stick with a derasa or squamosa. If you decide to upgrade lights someday you can get a max or crocea so it can thrive.

 

[jda]

Some people have done it, most have failed. Some of those who have succeeded have noticed a diminished capacity for errors... whereas clams under proper lighting have responded better and recovered from adversity.

I would estimate that 90+% of people fail with maxima or crocea under PCs.

Don't count on a clam staying in the rocks. They will end up where they want, not where you want. Plan on them being in the substrate. If you cannot support one in the substrate, then it might be wise to get a different kind.

 

[Peabody]

Exactly. That 90+% seems about what I've seen others try as well. Not good odds in my book. Out of the remaing 10% or so, not many that I've seen are anything close to what I consider thriving.

 

[bigworm616]

thanks for all your input. I would rather not have something then doom it to death. Thank you.