Need Advice

Willie_6 · #1 01/15/2007, 11:37 AM

I am going to purchase this clam:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/Willie_6/tn.jpg

I believe he is a

I am hoping my shrimp behaves himself. Other than that I worry about lighting. I have 432w of T5 lights. They are made by orbit. Is this enough or am I border line to where I would want to place my clam on some rock closer to the light?

jmaneyapanda · #2 01/15/2007, 03:31 PM

what type of shrimp? That is a crocea (or as it appears), whicgh are the most light loving clam. I do not perosnally use T5's so I cant comment on the brand. I would suggest getting him as much light as you can, though.

Peabody · #3 01/15/2007, 04:53 PM

I also have not used T5s, but most claim that the secret is individual parabolic reflectors. Does your unit have those?

Willie_6 · #4 01/15/2007, 05:46 PM

I have a cleaner or skunk shrimp.

I do not have individual reflectors, but there is one big reflector.

Willie_6 · #5 01/15/2007, 06:00 PM

Correction..after further review, it turns out I have 432w of PC lighting. It is a 8 bulb unit, 4 day, 4 actinic. What are your thoughts on that?

Peabody · #6 01/15/2007, 06:38 PM

I personally wouldn't do it. I've seen too many people fail with PCs and maximas. Some have, but I've personally never seen it. If you try it, get that clam as high up to the lights as possible to give it the best chance...the higher the better.

Peabody · #7 01/15/2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peabody
I personally wouldn't do it. I've seen too many people fail with PCs and maximas. Some have succeeded, but I've personally never seen it. If you try it, get that clam as high up to the lights as possible to give it the best chance...the higher the better.

Willie_6 · #8 01/15/2007, 07:09 PM

Any other thoughts?

Peabody · #9 01/15/2007, 09:01 PM

If you will search around this forum you'll find lots of opinions shared on the subject. The vast majority of experienced clam keepers will not keep clams under anything but MH bulbs, or certain T5 bulbs. Occassionaly you will see someone succeed long term (1+ year) with PCs, but many, many will fail, in my experience. You do havea decent amount of bulbs/wattage. I'd probably be confortable puting a derasa under it...maybe that is something to consider.

Willie_6 · #10 01/16/2007, 03:52 PM

Good news!! I called the LFS that sold me my lights, it turns out I do have T5's!! Looks like I am back in business.

I still might put put the little guy on my rock to make sure he is getting plenty of light. I hear they latch on to rocks and will not let go. IS this correct? If so I will make sure I plan properly before I get him.

jag1979 · #11 01/16/2007, 07:23 PM

what does the bulb look like? is it just a straight thin bulb? If you do have t5's you should look into getting some individual reflectors, you can get icecaps for like $20 a piece I think

Willie_6 · #12 01/16/2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jag1979
what does the bulb look like? is it just a straight thin bulb? If you do have t5's you should look into getting some individual reflectors, you can get icecaps for like $20 a piece I think

Are they easy to install? I wonder if they can be added to any fixture.

GSMguy · #13 01/16/2007, 09:53 PM

what lights do you have????

Willie_6 · #14 01/16/2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
what lights do you have????

Hey there fellow ohioian. I bought them from Salty Critter. It is an Orbit fixture. It has 8 bulbs x 54w. What else would you like to know?

GSMguy · #15 01/16/2007, 11:08 PM

in a 75 gal 24inch deep?
i would say that you should be ok but i cant be sure without seeing the light the orbit is powercompact and the t5nova is T5 but 8x54 is the t5 so i dont know i could be wrong
salty critter is the best by the way where are you located if the lights arent enough ill take the clam. jk

Willie_6 · #16 01/17/2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
in a 75 gal 24inch deep?
i would say that you should be ok but i cant be sure without seeing the light the orbit is powercompact and the t5nova is T5 but 8x54 is the t5 so i dont know i could be wrong
salty critter is the best by the way where are you located if the lights arent enough ill take the clam. jk

The 54w is T5. That's how Shawn (one of the guys from SC) knew I had bought the T5.

Where do you go for fish and goods living in Wooster?

PS-I don't have the clam yet, but I will watch it closely and if it seems to be having trouble I'll let you know.