T. Maxima lighting for 21.5 inch high tank

[Subrafta]

Would 150W HQI MH be sufficient for T. maxima clams on the sandbed of a 21.5 inch high tank or would I need 250W HQI? The sandbed is 2-4 inches deep in the area where the clam would be located.

The 150 W fixture has 2x65W CF atinics (Coralife HQI Pro). The 250W fixture has 2x24W T-5 (SLS Maristar).

Many thanks,

John

 

[Peabody]

I would lean towards the 250 if you are set on the sandbed.

 

[tacocat]

I would lean to 250 just for bulb selection alone. If those are the two fixtures you are looking at, the SLS has superior reflectors which make all the difference in the world.

 

[Subrafta]

I'm definitely set on the sandbed. The tank is fairly small, 24x18.5x21.5, so rock space is at a premium and reserved for corals. It will also provide for better viewing and make it easier for non-reefers to figure out -- "hey, that blue thing is a clam!"

I've been leaning towards the SLS for a while and their new leg system pretty much clinched it for me. But I was still hesitant to spend the extra money. They also have a 24 inch 150W Maristar, so if the answer had been that 150W was more than sufficient I might have gone that route. 150W would have reduced the chance of tank heating issues and, to an extent, power costs.

Thanks,

John

 

[M.Maddox]

250w, and make sure to give the clam something to attach to.

 

[Foreverlearnin]

I have 25 or so clams, many of which are maximas some of which are on my sandbed (beside Croceas) on the bottom of my 75G with the 2x 150W DE Coralife Aqualight Pro fixtures and they are doing ok.

I am however looking for more light, may be going to 2x 250W DE, or 4x 150W DE, but it can be done with the 2x 150W... You will just need to change the bulbs regularily.

 

[Scuba Dog]

I keep a shallow clam tank at 13inches in depth with a shallow sand bed of one to two inches...and I use a single 250DE pendant...not near too much light...except for a rose anemone that keeps trying to hide in the rocks....