What type of clam can I keep???? If any??

Discussion in 'Clams' started by baugherb, Apr 18, 2008.

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  1. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    I just ordered a retro kit that I am going to use over my 5.5 gallon. It will give me 72 watts over 5.5 gallons. The bulbs are 3 PC 10000k/7100blue... What if any type of small clam can I keep under these lights???? It will come out to roughly>>>>13 watts per gallon..... Any help would be greatly appreciated....
     
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  3. nemo1991

    nemo1991 Millepora

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    well i ahve a 55 gallon, with 4x65 watt pc's and i have a 6 inch derasa (sp?) clam in there i just moved him around 8 inched from the top of the tank, i am sure you could keep almost any clam
     
  4. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    I've always wanted one... But I have never had this much light before....
     
  5. wildreef

    wildreef Stylophora

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    Well if you've never kept clams before' it might be best if you try the
    'less light demanding" of clams like a Squasoma or Derasa.

    The maxima's are MORE light demanding.


    Remember though these clams have a VARACIUOS APPITITE FOR CALCIUM and,
    They filter the water for "nitrates" ,

    And personaly' i think one wouldint surrvive to long if you are gonna try to keep one in a nano tank' .
    You'll be checking clacium levels ever day and you'll have to allow for some nitrate build up in there.

    I think any clam ( if it were to surrive a while in there would most likely deplete all the nitrates from the tank since its so small and and clam of 4/5 inches could reduce nitrates to nill.
    And calcium is all another ' important parameter to keep the "levels up" in such a small tank will be some work' ( clams will consume clalcium quickly )
     
  6. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    Thanks for the info....
     
  7. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    Lighting for clams is less about wattage and more about spectrum, par, etc. You need 10K and true actinic to keep them alive. That's not to say that you can't keep them under pc lighting if you have enough wattage and keep the clam right underneath the lights but the animal will have to stretch its mantle further than usual to catch the light that it uses to live. Just food for thought.
     
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  9. luvreefs23

    luvreefs23 Millepora

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    13 watts a gallon isnt enuf for a clam? My God
     
  10. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    LOL!!! I see what you mean amcarrig.... Thanks everyone for your help....
     
  11. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    luvreefs: That's not what I said.
     
  12. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    I understand.. Should I get a bulb with more actinic to it??