New Long Tentacle Plate coral

[Pterois2004]

The long tentacle and short tentacle plate corals were among my favorite when browsing through books at the beginning of my marine fascination. I've waited to get one because I wanted the tank to have great water and I felt I needed experience. So, having been successful with several different kinds of Xenia, Zoanthids, Bubble Coral, and Montipora; I decided it was time. I brought home my first long tentacle plate coral last night. Aclimated it for 3 hours by drip and temp, and it's now on the sandbed in the 55. It can be moved to the 125g once it's ready.

The question that I couldn't find in any of the books I have is: What intensity of light do they prefer? I have 9 watts per gallon of VHO on the 55, and the 125 will have much more intense lighting with 3 250mh with VHO actinics.

The sandbed of the 125 will be dominated by clams. Can the plate corals co-exist with clams on the sandbed? I don't plan to have any fish that dig and stir up the sandbed for this reason. Should I stick with a shallow bed or go with 4-5 inches?

Thank you for your assistance.

[trips]

Plate corals of all types like pretty intense lighting. I would think that either tank would be suitable. I have no idea about the clams but I do know that plate corals can do some pretty hefty damage to other corals if given the chance.


*Edit*
Just noticed the date of the original post. Curious to know how it's doing for you? I came on the boards today to post about my plate so this topic caught my eye.