Advice on new purchase

[FlyPenFly]

Over the long term, t5s are not recommended.

 

[DSC reef]

T5 can definitely grow clams long term given enough of them.

 

[Mjrenz]

T5 can definitely grow clams long term given enough of them.

If do decide to check my par someday what would be a good range for the clam?

 

[FlyPenFly]

With maybe an 8 bulb array in a shallow tank... but generally recommended to go with MH or LED. Not really me speaking but probably the foremost expert on clams in the hobby.

 

[DSC reef]

With maybe an 8 bulb array in a shallow tank... but generally recommended to go with MH or LED. Not really me speaking but probably the foremost expert on clams in the hobby.

Grew plenty of clams with 4 bulbs just fine and I'd prefer T5 over led if given a choice so we can agree to disagree. Led, T5 and halides will grow clams long term.

 

[DSC reef]

If do decide to check my par someday what would be a good range for the clam?

Depending on the clam really. I've seen derasa grow fine with 150-180 par but they can handle more. Squamosa can handle a wide range but I wouldn't go less than 250. Maxima and crocea require quite a bit of par.

 

[Mjrenz]

Depending on the clam really. I've seen derasa grow fine with 150-180 par but they can handle more. Squamosa can handle a wide range but I wouldn't go less than 250. Maxima and crocea require quite a bit of par.

Eventually I'd like to add some radions to my tank but for now I have an edge led with the 4 t5s I have. I mainly rely on the edge for a little extra color. All 4 t5s are giesemann actinic bulbs

 

[DSC reef]

I would run 2 coral plus and actinic blue (not pure actinic) in a 4 bulb fixture. It's a whiter look but provides better spectrum IMO

 

[Mjrenz]

I would run 2 coral plus and actinic blue (not pure actinic) in a 4 bulb fixture. It's a whiter look but provides better spectrum IMO

I just might do that, the only hurdle I have is sneaking them in the house so my wife doesn't know I spent more money on my tank. She's already mad at me for buying the clam

 

[Mjrenz]

@DSC reef one more question- I have the clam up higher in the tank and so far he seems happy. This morning I saw one of my tuxedo urchins on him and now that I'm home it looks like there's a little bit of damage to his mantle where the urchin was at. Since I'm still a clam newbie I was wondering if it's anything that I need to be concerned about

 

[DSC reef]

It doesn't look like anything to be concerned about. Just keep an eye on it.

 

[Mjrenz]

It doesn't look like anything to be concerned about. Just keep an eye on it.

Thank you! I didn't think so but just wanted to be sure