clams & lighting

[PTPuffers]

hello, I was wanting to get a small maxima clam. I have a 50gl tank 48'l x 17h" x 12w". I am running 4x55 pc's. 2 atinic and 2 10000k.
I read that you could keep clams with pc lighting as long as you kept them near the top of your tank so they are closer to the lighting. I would like to hear all your expert opinions on this matter. thanks in advance.

Gary

 

[ereefic]

I have heard that also. I don't know if it would be in the best interests of the clam, but could probably be done.

 

[Sgt.Baker]

it's not recommended.
it can be done, and provided other excellent water parameters, calcium supplementation, and possibly phytoplankton, it might survive.

however, it will not do as well as it could under proper lighting.

 

[mojoreef]

Gary does it have to be a maxima? There are other less light demanding clams out there??? Once a maxima reaches about 2 1/2 inches it no longer will take in phytoplankton and will rely on its zoox for both light gathering and to feed on. I would say take a look at some of the other clams out there that might have a better chance at being healthy under your lighting conditions.

Mike

 

[PTPuffers]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your replies. I understand that the lighting
might not be the best for a maxima and we don't plan on
just having it in these lights forever. The reason we are
even considering the idea is because we were offered a
small purple maxima for $12.50 and thought that was a
pretty good deal. ? We were also told that they were a
great filter and thought that we could put it up high for
awhile until we can afford better conditions for it.
We just don't want to buy it because it's cheap & have it
not live. Thanks again for all your input on this matter.

Gary

 

[mojoreef]

Gary how small is the clam?? if it is really small it might not have developed enough zoox to support it, and thus might be still relient on outside food. let me know.


Mike

 

[PTPuffers]

I think he said it was around 2"

 

[mattseattle]

then you can still feed it phyto and not worry about the lights as much. i would still position it pretty high up on your rockwork though.

 

[mojoreef]

Yeah Gary I agree with Matt. If it still that small it will still except phytoplankton. As it gets up to about 3 inches it will begin to grow and harvest its zoox for both light gathering and for digestion. Might be worth giving a play.


Mike