Clams with 4xT5

[halperin]

any one have success with clams in the sand bed running 4 t5s? I always hear its recommended that they are higher up but ive been recently total by some experts that they should be fine on the sand bed. just curious if anyone can back that up with experience.

 

[wangspeed]

You're going to need to be more specific. Which T5 bulbs, what height of tank, and what height of lights. Clams can grow just fine under T5 given enough of them. I use 6x54w T5 and my maxima is happy on the sand. I did add some LED but the T5s do most of the work.

 

[NanaReefer]

Kept a Tridacna Crocea under 4x24w T5HO. 11" under the light for 2+yrs in my 26g.

 

[halperin]

sorry, 4 ati bulbs. 24 inches in height and water depth

 

[sirreal]

do you have seporate reflectors for each bulb? It makes a difference

 

[halperin]

i hvae this unit. i dont think they are indivdual? its the 48 inch 4xt5 wavepoint retro fit kit

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3149C8xH7aL.jpg

 

[sirreal]

Ok thats seporate reflectors. I think you could do it if you got a dersa

 

[Sangheili]

The 4 bulbs of my ATI LED Powermodule (with LEDs off) push about 200PAR to my sandbed. Tank is 18" high and the light is about 8" above the water. Keep in mind ATI fixtures are actively cooled and have the best reflectors.

I wouldn't try anything other then a Derasa unless you really stepped up the light output - or had the clam much higher up.

Derasa's can do ok with 150+ PAR, but Maxima/Crocea/etc really need 250+ to thrive. Giving them 500+ PAR will pretty much double their growth rate.