Maxima under VHO??

[jshorter]

I have an SPS/LPS tank that I am thinking about adding a clam to. I really would like to try a Maxima. The area I would like to put the clam is just to the right of center, and about 8-10 inches from the light. I have several different species of SPS (Acropora, Porites, Seriatopora, Montipora, & Hydnophora) that are growing very well in my tank, and have awesome coloration. What does anyone think about adding a clam? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!
Jason

Here is a link to a picture of my tank (the area in question is at the same depth as the large purple Porites, and on the mirror opposite side):
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=27035&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500

[jshorter]

I am just trying to get opinions at the moment. I have a 29 gallon tank lit by 4 - 75 watt VHOs (2 - 50/50, & 2 - Super Actinic). I measured the spot today, and it is exactly 10 inches from the light (from the lights to the rock) & almost dead center front to back, & side to side. I don't think I could put it in a brighter spot on my tank without moving it closer to the light.

[Peabody]

You *might* be ok, but if it was me, I wouldn't do it. I'd do a squamosa, derasa, or hippopus instead. Best of luck!

[jshorter]

But remember, this is only a 29 gallon tank. And the clam would be at the top of the rock work. I could just picture what a Squamosa would look like up there in a year!!!

[Peabody]

I understand....once in a while a maxima will be fine under VHO, but they really love being absolutely baked by MH....that intense, point-source light is what they prefer.

[jshorter]

What are the size vs. growth rates of the other possible species?

[jshorter]

Well, it seems that everyone's opinions, through my readings, and replies on other bulletin boards, are that Maximas under VHO are a "no go." I find this difficult to understand since SPS corals are not supposed to do well under VHOs either, and I have some of the most colorful Acroporas, Seriatoporas, and Montiporas I have seen...even brighter and more colorful than when I got them from tanks grown under nothing but MH!! That and they are growing FAST! So, why am I supposedly not able to keep a Maxima under the same conditions?

Secondly, if I "can't" keep a Maxima, which species is more recommended...Derasa, or Squamosa? More importantly, which one is a slower grower so that I don't have this huge overgrown monster sitting at the top of my rockwork in 5 months?

Jason

[jklaw]

i also have vho's. 4 x 160 watts. i recently bought a derasa, squamosa, hippopus and brown variety maxima from barry at clams direct. he seeemd to think the brown variety bould be okay under vho. however, the brown is the least attractive of all the clams in my opinion. give barry a call, he's more than happy to talk o nthe phone and help. the website is www.clamsdirect.com

[namscam]

are u sure it is a brown variety?? because when u place maximas under unperferable lighting they do survive but their lips turn brown...so if u want a brown maxima jsut get any color maxima and place it under some crappy lighting....under vho at the very top maximas can survive but they wont thrieve.....I have a friend that has 2 maximas and he keeps them under PC lights at the very top...and the clams do survive but are browning..hes had the clam for like 6 months now

[john76]

I have a max on the bottom of my 55 under 4x110w VHO's. It used to be under 2x65w PC's in a 15 gallon nano. After I transferred it to my 55 it took about three weeks until it was fully extending it's mantle and it bleached from the center a bit. But now it's fine. I'll post pics later. I've also got a squamosa in there and that's absolutely fine.

BTW.... keeping the clam on the rockwork is easier said than done. Mine would always jump down to the sandbed. So I put three peices of rock rubble under it in the sand. It's attached and extending and seems fine.

My tank is pretty old and established also.

[jklaw]

i think it is a true brown variety maxima because barry is a clam fanatic. also, he keeps them under metal halide in his holding tanks and it is brown there. he also seems to have some ethics so i don't think he sells stuff to people who are just going to kill them.

i am also having trouble keeping the maxima on the rocks. it keeps jumping off, thanks for the idea of rocks on the sand.

[john76]

Here's my 4" max under VHO's

http://images.snapfish.com/339%3B3%3B%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2328%3D338%3D825%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B283%3B6%3B4ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/339%3B3%3B%3B523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2328%3D338%3D825%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B283%3B69%3Bot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/339%3B3%3B%3B523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2328%3D338%3D825%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3B283%3B6%3B7ot1lsi

[pat101]

It's funny, I asked the exact same question yesterday.

Here's what I got

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=328078

personally i think you can do it, just put it up high in that rock-work.

[Forsaken]

i have 3 clams under vho

2 crocea doign very well .. grown a new scale thing on their shell . its been a couple of months ...

and i jsut got one maxima a few days ago .. already looking better than it did under 2x175mh and 2x65pc at the lfs

i have 660 watts of vho .. so i have alot of light ...

[Forsaken]

jshorter i agree .. my sps grow like weeds .. thats y i decided to do clams .. people are entitled to thier OPINIONS .. when i first mentioned that i got a clam a while ago .. people started flaming me on the lighting situation that i had .. i knew a kid that kept a maxima under 130watts of pc .. and it was open and happy lasted till he tore down his tank .. grew fast and looked great too .. i think alot things could do with water quality .. i have seen tanks that look great that are just run on NO lights and a have a wisper filter.. granted some corals need the light .. but i think water quality has ALOT to do with it.. there are lots of variables to consider.. steps off soap box.. but i think these lighting quarrels are stupid personally .. get the clam .. if it doesnt seem to be happy sell/give it to someone who can keep it happy .. you'd either make a happy clam or a happy friend lol

[pat101]

People generally overestimate the wattage required IMO

Jshorter-try to get a decent size clam because they get much more food from photosynthetics than the smaller clams. You have to feed the crap out of small clams.