T5 lighting question
Lighting Requirements/Tridacna Clam 2/4/09
Hey gang,
<Hi Alex>
Quick question regarding T5 lighting, I recently bought a 30" 4X24W HO Sundial T5 fixture, two 10,000Ks and two 460 actinics. Now my question is will this be enough lighting for a Tridacna clam...say a Derasa?
<The T5 HO's will work for the Derasa but I would keep the clam no deeper than 12 inches from the water surface.>
As I bought a 3" Derasa clam about a week ago and I was told that it should be fine under my current lighting...a Corallife 24" Aqualight Deluxe 130W PC,
<I'd use the Sundial T5 fixture you bought. Will be a little more intense than the PC's. The T5 fixture you have is equivalent to about 190 watts of standard fluorescent lighting.>
now I have read and reread many times about the lighting requirements and have found very mixed reviews on PC, MH isn't really an option for me, and have found many people having success with HO T5's.
<I have heard same, but the T. Crocea does best under MH lighting, but has been kept successfully under T5 lighting providing it is kept near the top of the tank and the fixture is of sufficient wattage.>
My tank is a 29G with a Flame Hawk
<Tank too small for this guy.>
and Purple Firefish, couple of small hermits, sandsifting starfish, and a few trumpet corals, GSP, Duncan coral, and some Anthelia. I know Derasa's can get around 20" but I have a 125G that I could relocate it when the time comes.
<That time is going to be long in coming. Under natural/ideal conditions, the average growth rate is 1 to 2 mm per month. In captive systems, likely less.>
The clam is currently on the sandbed approx 14" from the light.
<Too deep, I'd move the clam up and get that T5 system up and running.>
I have even heard of people keeping Crocea's under T5's...is there and truth (long term) to that?
<A good article in regards to keeping the T. crocea can be found here.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/jf/index.php
And Tridacna in general here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tridacnidart.htm
and here.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_4/V4I3/Tridacna/artGotTridacna.htm>
Tank water parameters are all reef ideal, with the exception of phosphates....8ppm
Thanks much,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Alex

Re T5 lighting question
Lighting Requirements/Tridacna Clam And Not Reading 2/5/09
Hey gang (again),
<Hi Alex. Since this is a continuation of a thread started yesterday, we ask that you reply with the original thread. In that regard we can see what has transpired.>
Ok so the 30" sundial T5 HO 4X24W will work for Tridacna clams depending on type and location in the tank.
<Yes.>
I have the 29G that currently houses a 3" Derasa that upon James "salty dog" (thank you very much for the advice btw) I have moved <the clam> up to about 8" from the light. Now my new question is, with individual reflectors
would this be able to house a crocea clam?
<Lighting information/requirements are stated in the James Fatherree link I gave you yesterday. Did you read it?>
I read that 10,000K's would be best for a crocea and am just wondering if I switched some of the bulbs what combination would work best for a crocea, or any other Tridacna for that matter?
<The choices in Kelvin temperature in T5's are pretty limited right now.
To my knowledge a 6.7K, 10K, and 12K are available. In your case I'd go with a 3 to 1 ration of 10K and actinic. The 10K is going to give you a little more PAR value than the 12K.>
The crocea is not in the near future but more of a fluttering hope. Or would I need another bulb or 2 on the tank to keep it happy. I want it to be healthy not healthy enough to live. and MH are really out of the question, otherwise I would have them.
<All stated in the Fatherree and Got Tridacna link.>
thanks again for your expertise,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
-Alex

Clams -- Lighting 12/31/08
I have a 50 gallon reef tank with mostly LPS and softies. I recently upgraded to a 2 x 150w HQI Metal Halide fixture. I read your FAQ on Clams and decided that I should start with a T. Derasa as they are one of the easier to care for clams. I maintain good reef conditions (Nitrates >10, Salinity 1.026, Ca >400, KH 10-12). Will my 2 x 150w fixture be enough to keep a Derasa and other clams in general. Also is this fixture good for SPS such as Acropora ?
 Thanks
Henry Aspegren
<Two 150s will serve you well for all of the above on a 50 gallon. Welcome, have fun, Scott V.>
Re: Clams -- Lighting
thanks
<Welcome, enjoy the system. Scott V.>