VHO and Clams?

[M.Doshier]

Whenever I get my 55 gallon tank setup I'm going to have 440w VHO lighting. Two 110w 10k bulbs and two 110w Actinic 03 bulbs. Since a 55 gallon tank is only roughly 19" tall...would this be enough light for any clams? Thanks

 

[mbbuna]

you could do a Derasa or Squamosa

 

[cristhiam]

you could keep a max and crocea higher

my old 55

 

[M.Doshier]

Thanks guys! I'm really interested about keeping a crocea because they stay so small, plus the "super colored" ones are very pretty. But I also like Squamosa clams so maybe I could also get one of those, but keep in mind when I do get my tank setup it will be a very long time before I think of putting a clam into my aquarium. I was just wondering if the lighting was going to be good enough. Well I got my answer! Thanks guys and btw beautiful clams cristhiam!

 

[iCam]

I kept croceas and maximas under VHO for quite some time successfully under VHO before I eventually upgraded to MH.

 

[M.Doshier]

Very nice thanks guys! Thats real cool I am glad that I get to have a clam/clams. Of corse it will be a while before I even get the tank let alone the clams! But its still good to know if I ever get that far! Thanks

 

[Rockhead21564]

Well, I wouldn't want to spoil your thoughts, but having max or corcea under VHO for any protracted time is a HUGE gamble. Yes some people have some success for a time, but don't count on it. How long have you guys kept the clams, under 6 months? Do you also recommend acopora under VHO's? Do yourself a favor and get the MH's and be sure you'll keep the around for years. At the LEAST get PC's. Just my thoughts on reality.

 

[M.Doshier]

hmm, well seriously a Corcea would be really nice to have up close to the waters surface, but having a Corcea isn't really a big disapointment to me lol. I really want a Squamosa Clam. If I can keep one of those, then i'm happy!

 

[RandyP]

I kept clams including Corcea clams for 7 years under VHO's go ahead and get your clam and enjoy your tank.

 

[jasutton]

i was under the impression that VHO was better than PC anyway??

 

[jay24k]

There was a TOTM with VHO only. I've seen several VHO only tanks that house acropora that really look nice. I'm not sure on the growth compared to MH. As for clams, I've seen several keep clams under PC and VHO but it can be riskier. I've kept a crocea under VHO in my 44 gallon for about 9 months before I upgraded to MH and he did just well. No pigment changes or signs of stress.

I would keep it a bit higher up however.

 

[M.Doshier]

Thank you very much! I'm looking foward to it!

 

[dandydan]

Over here most of us use VHO T5's and can keep anything under them, I reckon most important is the reflectors.

Yeah go ahead and get you clams

 

[jasutton]

dont most VHO's have internal reflectors? I know that refloectors will still make some difference, but the internal deflectors (i read) make that difference much less significant.

 

[dandydan]

Hi,
I havent seen a T5 VHO tube with internal reflector, that doesnt mean there aint any, but I cant see how you can get a parabolic reflector in such a small tube size. deltec and Arcadia talk about up to 60% more light with their reflectors. you can certainly see a massive difference with them on or off.

 

[dandydan]

Hi,
I havent seen a T5 VHO tube with internal reflector, that doesnt mean there aint any, but I cant see how you can get a parabolic reflector in such a small tube size. deltec and Arcadia talk about up to 60% more light with their reflectors. you can certainly see a massive difference with them on or off.

 

[jasutton]

Oh i was talkingabout t12 VHO

 

[ucsb_irishman]

Crocea clams should be fine under VHO but in a 55 gallon, which are usually about 22" tall, I would definitely keep it elevated no lower then 10" from the surface. Even though you will have a huge amount of wattage for a 55, VHO would not be able to penetrate enough at a 22" height to keep crocea clams on the sand.