Would this light be OK for clam and nems?

[DracoKat]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23758

Coralife Lunar Aqualight HO T5 Aquarium Light Fixture

Included 2 10k and 2 Actinic T-5 lamps. I got the 4-bulb one. Was hoping for 6 bulb, but for my budget at this time, this is what I chose.
Should I change out the bulbs for another type? if so, which ones?

Is it OK for a max clam and a nem? if not, I will hold off on these critters until I can upgrade to a better light.
LPS and SPS OK? I am sure softies are OK

 

[twilliard]

For a 75g tank I am not sure that would be enough honestly for a clam

 

[DracoKat]

I didn't think so, but doesn't hurt to ask and plan

how about a nem? bubble tip?

 

[twilliard]

I didn't think so, but doesn't hurt to ask and plan

how about a nem? bubble tip?

If he will make a foothold high enough he may do ok.
The nem will let you know as he will stretch out and have long thin tentacles

 

[DracoKat]

thank you @twilliard . Always helpful and informative!

 

[twilliard]

thank you @twilliard . Always helpful and informative!

Any day! I am always here

 

[mcarroll]

It would be worth spending some time searching here on the forum for "75g clam" (for example) to find some good example tanks, IMO.

It seems like a 4-bulb unit over a tank that's only 18" deep should be able to keep a clam happy...but that feels like guessing.

Can you download a $free [HASHTAG]#lux[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#meter[/HASHTAG] app to your smartphone and try to take some measurements and see what lux your tank is getting?

(While the app is downloading, I'd go order a $15 handheld lux meter like the LX-1010B so you have that for later. Much better than the apps, still very inexpensive - much safer to use around a saltwater tank!)

This should give you a more concrete idea of the possibilities....clams do like it bright compared to corals, but also like corals they've got an acceptable range.

Corals are stressed in very bright and very dim light.

Clams are also stressed at lower light levels (though they don't go nearly as deep as corals), but unlike corals, they appear to be able to take all the sun you can throw at them.

 

[DracoKat]

Thanks @mcarroll ! The light is being delivered today, so I will let you know what the app reading says then. I will add the meter to my cart on BRS (have few other things in cart, want to add up for free shipping)

 

[mcarroll]

Can you link what you're talking about at BRS? I'm not aware of them carrying this.
Shouldn't run you more than $15 delivered.

 

[BoneXriffic]

I would put the nem in the iffy category as well, they love strong light,the bta especially. High powered halides and led seem to favor them the most. I still perfer my old halide system, however a 75g would be well covered by 2 kessils or radions. Given you want to spend the dough

 

[DracoKat]

they don't carry it, thought it might've before I looked, lol. had to go somewhere else. I like BRS because of the wishlist.

thanks for the advice! In the future I will upgrade my lighting. for now, I'll stick with this as its my budget. At least i know not not get nems or clams until then

 

[BoneXriffic]

I think everything on brs is free shipping. But if you purchase x amount you get it upgraded

 

[DracoKat]

thanks! Might as well get everything sent in one shipment.

 

[Salty1962]

Lighting is important for RBTAs and clams but so is stability. Make sure your tank is stable before any of those to assure success! I believe a 4 bulb T5 would be pushing it with these guys. They love light.

 

[c2l2parker]

DracoKat, I keep clams in a 24 inch deep tank (6 feet long) using 4 bulb HO T5's. One of my clams is a Maxima that I have had for over a year. Anecdotal evidence is always something I am wary of, so I will offer two added points. One, I only buy clams that are at least 4" long. At least for me, I had zero success with smaller clams, but the larger ones seem to thrive in my tank. I can't say for sure if that is due to lighting, feeding, or something else but the larger ones have been very low maintenance. Second, I replace my T5 bulbs at least once a year.

 

[mcarroll]

I've seen this before too now that you mention it....makes sense since larger clams would be able to capture more "prey" and would have a larger surface area to collect light.

 

[Twisted_Blenny]

i used to have this light on my 75g...youll be able to keep LPS and sofites but no strong enough for SPS. unless i guess u put them at the very top....its a good starter light for sure. when youre ready to upgrade check out https://sbreeflights.com/ then youll be able to keep anything under these.