On the subject of lighting...

Pikaboo · 03-11-2001, 04:19 PM

I have a question... isn't 20gal long 30" wide? Anyways....

It is possible to keep soft corals with that lighting. I've done it myself... but in a 20Tall. I'm sure you can keep some clams... but more towards Derasa and Squamosa. Maybe maxima... but not crocea. Those two will be ok... but they won't thrive. As far as SPS... you might be able to keep the ones that doesn't require much light... but you'll have to keep these in the top half of the tank for them to get more light. I hope this helps some.

Pik

bill-e · 03-11-2001, 04:28 PM

Rob,

There isnt enough light in there to keep a clam long term. You might keep a small clam for 6 months or so because they rely more on food they filter out of the water (like DT's phytoplankton) when they are small than photosynthesis. But once it gets to about 2 or 3 inches, it's going to need more light.

With that light, you will be able to keep some of the lower light SPS, psamacora for example.

You can begin turning the lights on now, a few hours a day increased slowly until you achieve your desired photo period. Make sure that you end up with 10 hours of total darkness to allow for the second part of photosynthesis to take place.

RJPerri · 03-11-2001, 04:40 PM

Thanks guys, It looks like I will hold off on clams till i get my dream tank set up (in my dream house!)

The tank is 30", but the compacts only come in 24" and 36".

RJPerri · 03-12-2001, 01:28 AM

While we are talking about lighting, I ordered the Custom Sea Life Power Compact (24", 2x65 watt)lighting for my 20g. long, which is 12 inches deep, but with a 3"-4" sand bed. I am looking to keep some soft corals but if possible, I would like to have a clam or two and some SPS fragments if possible. Obviously this is a ways off, but I have a wish list already (Thanks to you guys!) and want to know if it needs to be revamped. Based on the size and space I have available (outside the tank) there is no way I could go with MH lighting. What do you guys think? Are clams or SPS options in this tank?

Also the last question. When should I turn the lights ON! I was going to wait for the tank to cycle. Should I wait an additional week, or is it better to turn them on as soon as the cycling ends.