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View Full Version : MH and clams in a 24" deep tank

spamin76
04/29/2004, 09:03 AM
Can I get away with a 250W MH fixture in a tank that is 24" deep or should I go with a 400W? I don't really care what species of clams I raise, I just want clams!:eek2:
GoFishJoel
04/29/2004, 10:15 AM
You will be absolutely fine with 250 watt lights over a 24 inch deep tank. Some people say you could even get away with 175's.
Now, this is coming from someone who has 400 watts over a 22 inch tank. I only went that big because I am going to get a much deeper tank in the hopefully near future. Other then that 250's are great. I have mix of 10K and 20K bulbs which is neat.
Which tank will you put it in?
spamin76
04/29/2004, 10:33 AM
I am putting in my 30 for now ... but my 30 is destined to become a sump in 3-4 months :). I am looking at getting a 65 (36x18x24)gallon for my reef - Don't have room for a 4' tank where I want this tank to go.
spamin76
04/29/2004, 10:34 AM
I am planning my lighting purchase with future upgrade in mind :)
llamart
04/29/2004, 12:53 PM
For 2 years I had a Crocea in a 24in deep tank with a 175w MH screw in and it was fine. Once the bulb became a year old the clam's mantle would strech out a little more, but not a big deal.

I just upgrade to dual 250w MH double ended clip ins and it is realy happy now.
spamin76
04/29/2004, 01:09 PM
That sounds really good - I may just jave to break down and do that then!
llamart
04/29/2004, 01:43 PM
I'm on my third lighting upgrade in 3 years. Started with Power Compacts, went to the 175 MH screw in and now am at the Dual 250W clip in which is like 2 400 MH Screw in.

If you have the means go for the strong lighting once to save money.
It's the one element that makes such a major difference of what specimens that you can add to a tank.
GoFishJoel
04/29/2004, 01:57 PM
I would go with a tank that is 24 inches wide if possible. I makes such a difference! I have an 18 inch wide and I don't like it at all.
You might even be able to do a cube if you have the room. It would cost more but be worth it in the long run.
Be sure to aclimate the clam to high lights I bought mine from under the same lighting system. Just don't burn them if they are not used to the high watts. My friend cooked one, it turned completely white. He moved it and thought it to be dead but it has survived. I think that a system that can bring a clam back from that close to death is pretty good.