Crocea clam and it's lighting question

[Radcast2]

I am wondering if one can be kept under 220w VHO in a 55g? The placement would be about 15"-17" away from the lights. I know that the derasa and the squamosa would do fine under that lighting, but seen a bueatiful Crocea and guy at LFS says that it is iffy (crocea), but since they prefer to be on rocks then i might be able to. LFS actually told me to ask it here (impressive huh?). TIA

[AttackDonut]

I would say not, typically only Derasa and Squamosa clams last any length of time under non-MH lamps.

Perhaps a small MH spotlamp for the clam would do the trick, in addition to your normal VHOs.

Cheers!

[brianlena2000]

That wouldn't be enough lighting IMO (especially since it would be so far from the lights). Croceas are the most light demanding clams and that is what I would consider to be moderate lighting for that tank.

[Radcast2]

Originally posted by brianlena2000
Croceas are the most light demanding clams and that is what I would consider to be moderate lighting for that tank. I found searching here that the maxima's are most demanding. But anyway thanks for your help and keeping me from buying something that wasnt for my tank. Maybe I can find one of the derasa, or squamosa that are nice looking. Thanks again both of you.
I have thought about gettin gone 175w MH bulb and placing it in the middle of the tank but not sure, might just wait until i go upto a 90g.

[brianlena2000]

I found searching here that the maxima's are most demanding

Sorry, but croceas are the most demanding. They are generally found in the upper-most areas of the reef and tend to be more delicate and require the most light of any of the giant clams. For further info take a look at the following:

http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/crocea.htm

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1997/oct/shell/default.asp

[rjwilson37]

VHO losses 50% of it's intensity at 12", Power Compact losses 50% of it's intensity at 19" and Metal Halide losses 50% of it's intensity at 22". I would say that if you were running PC and put the clam at 12" it would be pretty good if you were running 6-8watts a gallon, not as good as under MH but it would survive and not be as colorful as under MH. I would say at 12" in VHO it may work if you had 7-9watts a gallon but at 15"-17", no way. I would not do a crocea with PC at 15"-17" especially with 4watts a gallon like your running.

You can give it a shot and probably be pretty succesful if you get at 4x96watt, some have been proved wrong but you will definatly get hassled by the clam police.

[Radcast2]

brianlena2000..THanks for the links

[MalHavoc]

I agree with what has been said so far. Personally, though, I think T. gigas is the most demanding :) But, if you were a 4 foot clam, you'd be demanding too! (and not necessarily about lighting hehe)

[ffc3]

How about 260 watts of csl pc at about 6"?

[MalHavoc]

Again, depends on the clam. I still wouldn't try a crocea with it. Maybe a derasa.