Marsaqua light with Squamosa clam

[Logan83]

Hello all,
I have a 75 gallon reef tank that has been up for about a year and it has been doing well with solid coral growth. I recently added two marsaqua 165 watt lights, and I am wanting to get my first clam. My water parameters have all been great for clams based on the endless hours of research I've done. I have two questions that I can't seem to find specific answers for and was wanting some expert advice. One, are these lights strong enough for a Squamosa clam (I think they are but I want to make sure)? And two, if they are, what percentage should I be running the whites and the blues at? Everyone has been helpful to me on here so far, and I really appreciate all of your advice and expertise.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Hi! Yup they are fine for clams.

What percentage do you run now ?
How’s high over the tank are they?
What’s your schedule at now ?

 

[Logan83]

I'm currently at roughly 30% for the whites and 40% for the blues. I have them on timers, the blues are on about 10 hours a day and the whites are on about 8. The lights hang 12" above the water. I'm more than willing to change some or all of that if I need to. I've been wanting a clam for a long time and would like one to eventually be a centerpiece of sorts.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'm currently at roughly 30% for the whites and 40% for the blues. I have them on timers, the blues are on about 10 hours a day and the whites are on about 8. The lights hang 12" above the water. I'm more than willing to change some or all of that if I need to. I've been wanting a clam for a long time and would like one to eventually be a centerpiece of sorts.

IMO , you could slowly bump it about 10% on each to be certain.

I forgot to ask, 20 or 24in deep tank?

 

[Logan83]

Ok, I'll do that. It's the standard 20" tall 75 gallon.

Also, I've read from most sources that squamosas do better on the bottom of the tank than in the rock work. Some sources say that many are found in the rocks in their natural habitat. I'm currently planning on going the bottom of the tank route since it seems to be the opinion of most sources I've seen. When looking at my lighting, would bumping it up 10% be enough for the bottom of the tank or is that if I put it in the rocks?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Ok, I'll do that. It's the standard 20" tall 75 gallon.

Also, I've read from most sources that squamosas do better on the bottom of the tank than in the rock work. Some sources say that many are found in the rocks in their natural habitat. I'm currently planning on going the bottom of the tank route since it seems to be the opinion of most sources I've seen. When looking at my lighting, would bumping it up 10% be enough for the bottom of the tank or is that if I put it in the rocks?

Squamosa are a sand clam. But will scoot over to and attach to rock.

So yes , I’m figuring on the sand for you.

Maximas are a Rock clam and bore into the rock. If you look at clam cradles woulclold place it. But , my sqami walked all over the bottom till I’d found a happy place.

Yep. Clams walk.

I’d personally see if there is a spot directly under one of the lights (the hot spot is in the middle of the light).

 

[Logan83]

That's cool! I'll mess with my current aquascape a little to ensure it has room right under the light. Thank you so much for all of your help! I'm excited to be getting this close to having my first squami!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

That's cool! I'll mess with my current aquascape a little to ensure it has room right under the light. Thank you so much for all of your help! I'm excited to be getting this close to having my first squami!

Good luck!! Post up with new addition! We all love clams and love pictures !

My Squami and Derasa.

 

[Logan83]

Those look really nice! I'll be sure to send you a pic

 

[Logan83]

Well....I got a Squamosa and put it in yesterday afternoon after a 2 hour drip. Everything looked fine, it was opening and responding to light. Now I come home from work today and I think it could be dead. Its shell is open, but it is very withdrawn. I picked it up in the water to look at it, and the opening where it draws in water is wide open and I can see clean through the bottom of the clam. I squeezed it a little, and there is no resistance whatsoever. I'm really not sure what happened or what to do.....this is very discouraging

 

[Logan83]

Ok.....I'm sure it's dead. I have no idea what happened......