I want a clam!

[Mr.Nan0]

Ok well i have a 5.5 g nano reef tank. I have a misbar true perc., purple firefish(going in my 40), and a yellow clown goby. As for corals i have a florida ric., green mushroom, blue mushroom rock, frogspawn frag, and a sun coral. I just want to know what goes in to taking care of a clam, food, lighting. I have a 10" 24w dual compact coralife light.

[Big D]

PC lighting isn't going to cut it... neither will the tank size. You can pick up some pretty small clams, but they generally grow very fast.




D

[Mr.Nan0]

Ok what about my 40g? I have a t5 glo with sun glow and marine glow bulbs

[Loverotties]

Maybe in a 40 but different bulbs and maybe T5HO instead.

[Big D]

Actually the Hagen T5 glo series are t5HO's.

You should be fine with them depending on the type of clam your looking into getting. If you're looking for one of the higher light demanding clams like a Crocea or Maxima, it would need to be fairly close to the top of the tank which shouldn't be a problem since they are rock dwellers anyway.

If you're looking for a good sand bed dweller like a Squamosa or Derasa, then you should be fine since they don't require nearly as much light.



D

[Big D]

You can take a look in this thread and see a picture of my 180gal tank that's lit with all T5's. I've got 5 clams in all and they are all doing great.

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f9...am-133826.html




D

[crvz]

Agreed with D, one of the lower light clams should suffice under those lights in the 40 gallon (such as a squamosa or derasa). They do get large (well over a foot), but it can take a while to get to that point so I wouldnt worry about it right now if you get a smaller one (say ~3"). And if it comes time to rehome it, large clams do command a pretty good price.

[firsthesitation]

Its weird, everytime we talk about clams there is always difference of opinion in what the clams require for light. I ran PC's on my 75 for a couple years with a Crocea in the sand and it was always open and happy. They're supposed to be slower growers thats why I got that kind originally. I've also got a Derasa now also, that one i've noticed significant growth in over the last 6-8 months.

[Big D]

Originally Posted by firsthesitation

Its weird, everytime we talk about clams there is always difference of opinion in what the clams require for light. I ran PC's on my 75 for a couple years with a Crocea in the sand and it was always open and happy. They're supposed to be slower growers thats why I got that kind originally. I've also got a Derasa now also, that one i've noticed significant growth in over the last 6-8 months.

I agree the Crocea may survive, but it's definately not optimal for the animal... kind of like owning a dog and only feeding it once every 3 or 4 days. The dog will most likely survive and will probably still wag his tail and be happy when it sees you, but it's definately not the best situation for the animal.




D