Can I keep a Squamosa Clam

xrobbx03 · #1 09/01/2007, 08:42 PM

I have always wanted a clam. I have looked into getting a squamosa since I have heard they are pretty hardy.

My setup is 4x39w T5 with 2 10k bulbs, 1 6700k bulb and 1 actinic. Unfortunately I do not have individual reflectors, I have the nova extreme fixture. I do keep LPS with good success in my tank. If I place the clam at the very top of the tank about 6-8 inches from the water surface will I be able to keep one.

The tank is a 65 gallon.

JetCat USA · #2 09/01/2007, 11:02 PM

No.

trigger05 · #3 09/02/2007, 12:32 AM

Well, at that wattage, you have a mere 2.4 watts per gallon. I would say this is a little low. Dont get discouraged by the only MH rule for clams, i have a derasa under powercompacts, however i have about 7 wpg. I would do a minimum of 5 wpg for one of the easier to care for clams.

xrobbx03 · #4 09/02/2007, 08:18 AM

thanks for the info.

JetCat USA · #5 09/02/2007, 09:01 AM

watts per gallon is useless for any sort of comparison and people who use it should be castrated

. light type, surface area and tank depth determine what works and what won't.

onano · #6 09/11/2007, 04:51 AM

I had great success with a squamosa in my 24G nano. I had 132W of CF lights. The clam grew at a nice rate. 1 year later he was moved to my 75G under halides. He is still a happy clam. Squamosa's are not as light demanding but you will still need to provide it with strong penetrating light. Watts per gallon is not the best determining factor. I was lucky to have neighbor who was big into reefing and had a light meter. I found the brightest area in my tank and thats where the clam stayed for a good 6 months (got too big after that). My hunch is that you need a lot more light.

bcolvin · #7 09/21/2007, 11:34 PM

t-5's are not beefy at all without good reflectors..... I would not do it.

reefkoi · #8 09/22/2007, 01:02 PM

yeah watts per gallon is a joke. my 10 with a 250 watt has 25 WPG my 600 with 3-1,000 watters has 5 WPG. Both are equally as bright.
I'd pass on clams in this tank, why put a clam 6 inches from the water when you cant appreciate the mantle from that angle? they need to be placed near the bottom so you can look down on them to really see the bright colors and pattern.

Fitz308 · #9 09/24/2007, 06:09 PM

I have 2 Squamosa & 2 Crocea clams with the Nova extreme T-5 fixture in a 65 gallon tank and they all are thriving.

Fitz.

Fitz308 · #10 09/24/2007, 07:28 PM

Nothing, I figured I was going to get slammed for that.