What kinds of lighting do you need for a clams?

[Str8baller]

I hope this is not a stupid questionm but i honestly dont know what kind of lights are needed for clams. I have a 55gal tank with compact floresent lights about 5watts per gallon. Clams seem very cool and are beautiful are any sutable for my tank and my lighting?

If so, what kind(s) would be best for a person that is just geting into reefing and clams?

 

[Peabody]

Unfortunately, no. Clams need pretty much the most intense light of any reef tank animal. (Along with certain SPS). Most people will tell you that in most tanks, this means metal halide lighting. For your tank, this would mean a minimum of 2 175w MH bulbs. But, some people are having success now with specific T5 bulbs as well.

There are a few species of clams that can tolerate slightly lower light, but I still wouldnt' reccomend it for your setup.

 

[Str8baller]

ok, well ill just wait untill i upgrade my lighting.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

smart choice. you'll find several threads about this topic. there is usually a few people who posts that they've had a crocea in their tank for years under 100 watts pc and it grows faster than it would in nature...blah blah blah. You need to take these with a grain of salt. The greatest consensus says PC wont work. upgrade first. you'll be happier.

 

[Nimmie]

Agreed, waiting is your best bet. Taking chances just isn't worth it. Besides, you can set aside money now and keep it to buy a really beautiful clams when the time is right

 

[bankspower]

Sorry to jump in here, but what T-5 bulbs do you speak of Peabody? I'm thinking of putting a clam in my 55 that's lit by 5x54w T-5 w/tek reflectors. Just curious what bulbs work the best.

Shawn

 

[jbittner]

Should be no problem in that setup bankpower ( have 4 t5 on my 55). Do you already have the unit?? If not get the icecap reflectors, the tek reflectors stain from saltwater.

 

[bankspower]

I have had the unit for a while now, maybe when my reflectors stain up I'll get the icecaps. The tank has glass tops on it so there isn't any salt splash in the canopy at all. Thanks for the quick reply.

Shawn

 

[reefman23]

go with ATI's and UVL for actinics. Pretty much the best lamps out there for T5's

Jesse

 

[Peabody]

Do you have individual parabolic reflectors? Most people claim that's the key to success with lams and T5s.

 

[bankspower]

yep, Tek individual parabolic reflectors with ATI and UVL bulbs, can't wait to get my first clam(tank's been going well for about 2 years now).

Shawn