T-Max clam not opening

[MiNdErAsR]

I guess I'm going to have to upgrade my lighting to 250W. How many "K" though? I only got this light in January and already am upgrading the bulbs. I hope this works! Do you think replacing one is a good idea or should I just replace both bulbs at the same time?

If you moved the clam closer to the light, and the clam chooses to remain where it is, you may be able to keep your current lighting. Keep an eye on the clam. If it should start to lose coloration then you may have no choice but to upgrade.

Also, it's more involved than simply replacing bulbs. You'll have to upgrade the ballast and the sockets as well. I personally love the look of Iwasaki 6500k bulbs when supplemented with either VHO or PC actinic lighting.

HTH

 

[cat23]

Hi!

If I'm not mistaken, with the fixture I have, I can just replace the bulbs. I looked at the 65K 250 and 400W bulbs in PA website and it looks like they will be compatible with my fixture. I need to get the directions for the fixture and see for sure. I don't want to heat up the tank because then the next time I post it will be headed "HELP!...How do I get rid of heat without buying a chiller?" Don't want to make soda bottle ice if I don't have to! Soooo, I guess I'm leaning toward the 250W.
Think I'm going to go ahead and upgrade the lighting. From what I have been reading, the 175W needs replaced every 6 months and I have had it running for about 5 now.
I'll look into the fixture and let you know. You'd think after spending $580.00 for a fixture I'd have that flexibility!
The light fixture, bulbs....Another LFS recommendation! I told the guy I wanted to get some clams!

[Edited by cat23 on 05-21-2001 at 07:26 AM]

 

[Agu]

Cat,

As far as I know all mh ballasts are wattage specific and it's not just a case of replacing the bulbs.

Since you can move the clam it's much more cost effective to place it higher in the tank.

If you do need more lighting adding additional vho's or pc's make more sense, if it's possible.

I guess I should have asked for more details before trying to offer advice .

Agu

 

[cat23]

Just an update,
After reading "Giant Clams" I am sure this is a Tridacna Crocea not a Maxima. He is now located on a shelf rock up pretty high in the tank to get it closer to the light.

You were right of course about the fixture though. I'm so upset about this. I just bought the fixture in January and my LFS told me this would be perfect for a clam. I now know better........
I will be upgrading the fixture in the near future, after doing alot of research first! #1. How to wire a light without electricuting yourself would be a good place to start! Oh yeah I do know the first step is to UNPLUG IT!!!
I'm not that blonde! LOL

The clam now opens up just a little and I can see the blue in the mantle but never do I see it open as it did when I first bought it. I'm still feeding DT's

By the way, how often and how much should I feed the DT's in a 120 gal? tank? The bottle says 1 oz/100 gals. I am now putting 1 oz in the tank every other day.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[APynckel]

for your lights go with 250w Iwasaki's from marine depot you will be highly satisfied.

I myself just lost a baby maxima from my dad doing a water change and pouring the new water directly on him!! ARGGG that makes me mad.

Are you sure it's not a maxima because it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between maxima's and crocea's just by mantle alone. Maxima's have the protrousions coming out from their shells similar to T. squamosa but not as exxagerated. Go by this. Maxima's protrusions are bigger than crocea's but you will have to compare. If it was sold to you as a maxima i would probably think the dealer knew what it was because he has to order them from farms and they normally know the difference.

 

[JohnL]

The clam now opens up just a little and I can see the blue in the mantle but never do I see it open as it did when I first bought it. I'm still feeding DT's

I'd just give it some time to get used to its environment.

By the way, how often and how much should I feed the DT's in a 120 gal? tank? The bottle says 1 oz/100 gals. I am now putting 1 oz in the tank every other day.

That sounds fine to me.

 

[cat23]

UPDATE!!!

I tried, I tried, My clam died!!!

 

[Agu]

Cat,

My condolences , my squamosa is still not better and looks it'll suffer the same fate. At the same time two croceas and a maxima are doing great.

Agu