150 watt 14k in 18 inch deep tank

bigfruits · #1 04/04/2007, 01:33 PM

hello folks. im planning on setting up a small tank and using a sunpod with a 150watt phoenix bulb. the tank will be 18 inches deep and there will be a 2 inch sandbed so the clams will be about 16 inches from the waters surface. ive read the light requirements thread and it says minimum 150watt at 20 inch depth.
i do not want the minimum, i want croceas and maximas to thrive in my setup. will i be providing ample light for them? if so, how high should the fixture be above the water's surface?

thanks in advance
-z

nudilove · #2 04/05/2007, 01:35 AM

Are you using this on an aquapod?

Use the normal legs on the sunpod, it works great on my tank. My crocea is about four inches from the surface and is thriving like mad, she's grown two new scutes as of late. Maximas would be more difficult in a small set up, with the 150 w on mine, it fluctuates a lot in salinity, I have to babysit the tank every day to make sure it doesnt get dangerous. I can personally say my Squamie, Gigas and Crocea are doing great in the tank, but I have not attempted a Maxi just because they are so darned sensative!

Stoney Mahony · #3 04/05/2007, 09:37 AM

I have had a Maxima in my 20-24" deep hex tank for a year and a half w/ no problems and I am using a 150w pendant. He is also only a few inches off of the sand. I don't think you will have any problems

Texsun · #4 04/05/2007, 10:34 AM

I run a 150w HQI Sunpod on a 21" tall tank. My maxima, maxima/squamie hybrids and squamosa are all thriving. Make sure and stick with one of the better bulbs (Ushio, Phoenix, Hamilton) and you'll be fine.

Stoney Mahony · #5 04/05/2007, 11:32 AM

Who sold you a clam as a maxima/squamie hybrid? Very unlikey IMO.

Texsun · #6 04/05/2007, 12:36 PM

I'm no scientist but how is it unlikely? They are cultured in the same areas, broadcast spawners, same genus... and while anything written here and on the web is far from canon, hybrids are bought, kept and written about on a fairly regular basis.

bigfruits · #7 04/05/2007, 01:21 PM

i was actually thinking of a 29 gallon (30x12x18). or maybe a custom size making it a little wider...

i have one more question. if i got a 36" long tank and had 2x150watt hqi sunpod would that allow me to keep maximas and croceas a little deeper considering it would be 2 mh's on a 3ft length and they would "overlap" each other in the middle area?