T. Max in a Nano?

[orkspace]

I currently have a thriving T. maxima in my 29g reef. Lighting consists of two 36w pcs (1 6500K, 1 Actinic). pH is 8.3 and calcium stays in the 400s (I top off with distilled water mixed with alternating double-doses of Seachem Reef Advantage and Reef Builder, per GARF's suggestion). I've only had the clam for 6 weeks but I swear it has grown 1/2" already (I'd say the shell is almost 3.5" long). Its byssal gland seems to be well attached to the LR, and its mantle is beautiful and nearly always fully expanded. In summary, it's a very healthy animal.

Here's the deal -- I have a 3g eclipse tank with a 6500k/actinic combo 13w pc bulb at work that's been set up for two weeks. The tank seems quite bright (I know the standard wattage/gallon estimates don't work with very small tanks) -- to my eyes it looks as bright as my 29g reef with 72w of pc lighting. Salinity is stable at 1.023 (I top off every night) and I perform weekly water changes. The only thing that I'm unhappy about with the tank is the temperature, which fluctuates between 79 and 82 throughout the course of the day. The main light is on for eight hours per day, and the ambient office light gives a nice dawn/dusk effect. There are no fish in the nano, only several pounds of Manono LR, some shrooms and some green star polyps, so the bioload is nice and low.

I would like to move my clam to the nano. Would the clam do well in the nano, or would the move be disastrous?

Note: I am an experienced and responsible hobbyist commited to the substantial upkeep required for such a small tank. I have successfully kept low-light corals (shrooms and green star polyps) in a 6g eclipse for several months. Please do not flame me for setting up a nanoreef -- it can be done quite successfully with a bit of work.

 

[herefishiefishie]

Here's a couple of thoughts:

I would be very cautious about putting a T. maxima under 26 W of light, no matter what size tank, no matter how bright the lights "appear." The human eye is a pretty poor judge of light intensity. Think about it; 26 watts is 26 watts, no matter how you slice it.

Remember, with clams it is best to ask oneself "What is the optimum environment for the clam," rather than "What is the minimum acceptable environment for this clam/what can I get away with?" This is the guaranteed formula for success with clams or any other marine animal.

Having no fish at all in the smaller reef might present a shortage of nitrogen products, which larger clams need. Knop postulates that a well-kept reef tank might be too clean (in regard to nitrates and such) for clams.

Also, I understand that the word "nanoreef" usually refers to tanks of less than 10 gallons. At 29 gallons, your tank is not really a nanoreef.

HTH

 

[orkspace]

Here's a couple of thoughts:
...
Also, I understand that the word "nanoreef" usually refers to tanks of less than 10 gallons. At 29 gallons, your tank is not really a nanoreef.

Sorry, looks like I wasn't clear enough in my previous post. Currently the clam lives and is doing wonderfully in a 29g with 72w of pc lighting. I'm considering moving the clam to a 3g (the "Nanoreef") with 13w of pc lighting. The clam would be at most 6 inches away from the bulb in the Nanoreef. Would a move to the Nanoreef be disastrous?

 

[orkspace]

Fencing (OT)

Fencing (OT)

OT: Forgot to mention this in my last reply -- I was a saber fencer for several years (even got to the junior olypics in Little Rock in '94). What weapon do you use?

 

[herefishiefishie]

Ah, I see. Sorry, My reading comprehension must have gone on break for a minute. Please disregard that portion of my statement.

I fence sabre as well, although I have never competed very much. My time is usually taken up with training (myself) and teaching. However, I placed ninth at the Mid-Atlantic Men's Sectional in 1999. JOs is an accomplishment, I commend you. I'm hoping to be able to make a name for myself in the Senior events someday. Perhaps by then I'll have had enough training under my belt.

I'm not sure moving the clam would be a disaster per se, but I would definitely be more comfortable about it if you could get some more light over that nano.

HTH