Clam Lighting Opinions ...

[RayD]

Calling all clam keepers!

In an effort to control expenses without having to give up the tank I was considering only running the MH lighting every other day keeping the blue actinics on their regular schedule.

The only concern I have are my 4 clams. Two quite large and one medium Squamosa and a very nice medium Blue Maxima.

Looking for opinions on whether or not they could continue to thrive on this lighting schedule? I've pretty much sold off all of my high light coral and gone with easier less stressful softies and easy LPS. I'm thinking the coral will be fine. Just the clams.

Interested in hearing from experienced clam keepers. I've had mine for years and they've grown like mad!

Thanks!

P.S. When I called National Grid to discuss my electric bill and the girl saw how much my bill is she said to me "you must have a saltwater fish tank". :: I thought that was a riot!

 

[JayM]

I don't think every other day lighting is going to be enough for them long term.

Sell them to me, I'm keeping my halides

 

[RayD]

I may take you up on that offer if things don't improve soon.

 

[delta]

Have you though about shortening the lighting cycle? I know many people run for 10-12hrs not sure what yours is. I have tested my draw and each MH runs me 15/mo to run.

Do you have a killowatt meter? I dropped my electric fro $450-$525 to $190-$250. Now granted I did my whole house and did throw out bad electrical devices and purchased new ones.
But I run an in ground pool, AC and my reef tank. I designed my house around my living style and it save me a few thousand a year.

 

[RayD]

The lighting cycle is eight hours of MH each day. I may try cutting it down to 6 hrs/day and see how that goes.

 

[jarrodsanborn]

You could also go with a lower kelvin bulb to increase the par for the fewer hours. You might be able to get away with 4 hours if you dont mind the look of lower k bulbs.

 

[Jocko]

Mine are on for 8 hours total, but all 3 bulbs are only fired up for 4 of those hours. They come on sequentially each hour starting with the first bulb at 1pm and ending with the last bulb off at 9pm. Probably not getting the 100% maximum growth, but I don't get any complaints from my clams or any SPS. And my electric bill from the MH isn't that bad in my opinion.