Lighting Question

[rossim]

I just got my PC lighting for my reef tank. Eventually, I would like to possibly keep some clams, but I'm not sure if I have enough lighting. I have a 10,000 k 96 watt and an acentic (sp) 96 watt for a 29 gallong. I also have 2 led moonlights.
How long should I keep the lights on for? Do I put both 96 watt lights on at the same time, or one then the other? What about the moonlights?

 

[capschamp]

You have the same lighting i do. You will need metal halides for clams. they need very strong light. I am sure there are people that have kept them under pc's hopefully they will see this and help you out.
I have the lights timed for 9 hours a day. Moonlights as far as i know are just for aesthetics. they really dont do anything special, but i think they look cool. some people have their lights timed so that the actinics come on before the whites and then stay on a little after teh whites go out. I just let mine come off and on at the same time. I think that the timing all depends on what you are trying to keep.

 

[spicyballs]

i agree... generally, they need metal halides but some ppls say they've been able to get away with compact flourescents or vho... i've also heard stories of the sps/clam turning brown in color... as the amount of xooanthel multiplies... they general need the intense lighting.

 

[rossim]

Thanks for the help! I still need to pick up a timer. How long (and what lights) does everyone else keep their tank lights on?

 

[flatzboy]

I have been keeping a deresa clam under a 110 watts of power compact on my 20gal. high. He is always opened up during the day and very healthy looking.

 

[spicyballs]

i have 220 watts compact flourescent.. keep them on for 12 hours.

 

[einnaws]

I read that the moonlights "put the fish in the mood", supposedly it has been proven that moonlights make your fish mate. Take from that what you will, I have no idea the validity of that statement.:jumping:

 

[rossim]

I'm still in the process of setting the tank up, but eventually I'll get a timer and put the lights on a schedule something like this:
TimeLight
10:00Blue
11:00White
1:00White and Blue
6:00White
9:00Blue
10:00Moonlight
12:00Off
What you think?

 

[einnaws]

There is this website and the guy has all his lights on timers,
he has the blue light come on at 9.
one of the brighter lights on the right side come on at 930.
the left side bright light at 10.
then the right side bright off at 9.
left side bright 930.
blue light off at 10.
the way its set up it looks like sunrise sunset, i may have the times wrong but the effect remains the same. looked pretty cool.