lighting and clams!!!

mrdc

Active Member
I don't think so but I have seen things work in aquariums w/o the "suggested" light. Like my neighbor with CF lights and a bubble tip anemone that has split twice already. Clams get most of their food through light and most people I talk to suggested halides. I have them now so a clam is in my future.
 

schneidts

Active Member
T. Derasa are probably the least light demanding of clams...so it's possible. I don't want to sound encouraging, though. In my opinion, for the clam to be healthy, it requires more intense lighting like that from metal halides. I'm sure there are people out there who've had "success" with keeping Derasa's under pc lighting. The best advice I can give, is do as much research as you can. Good luck.
 

fallnhorse

Member
I would research more into gaint clams. I have done alot of homework on them. I have found they are perhaps one of the most benifcial invertibrates for a tank. They asorb phosphates. The enjoy levels of phosphate levels that would adversely affect most invertibrates and to most reef tanks. Plus ammonia and nitrates is basic nutritents for it's zooxanthella alge is needs to grow. If that's not enough a large clams can have a dramtic impact on nitrates in a small aquarium. They are protected in the wild now. They were over harvested by the food services. Fortunely these beautiful creatures are aquacultured. I only emplore you to do your homework for you tank before introduce one to yours.
I have a Crocea Clam. He really makes my tank.
 

turboeel

Member
If I got it small, would it need more light as it got bigger or does its needs stay the same. I have seen some pretty small clams and they seem like they don't need as much light as a bigger one.
 

coralph

New Member
My Derasa is now 10 inches. They grow like crazy with the mh bulbs.However my maxima has not grown much at all.
 

jonnywater

Member
I had a Deresa grow about 2 inches in under 3 months under PC's. However EVERY animal varies. I also had a squamosa doing fine under PC's. Recently I switched over to Halides though because I want to start raising SPS corals. Also my lighting was 265 watts of PC lighting. What may work for me, may not work for you though.
Also I would not get a derasa unless you plan on getting a bigger tank. My tank is going to grow along with my clams. Derasas get to be about 2 feet long.
 
Top