enough light?

[95accord]

i am running T5HO 2x54W 46Inch fixture on a FOWLR 55gal tank. 18inches depth. with a 2inch sand bed.
Bulbs are 1 power glow (18K) and one Actinic with a polished aluminum underside as reflector.

would it be enough to house clams? if so what kind would survive under these conditions?

(ive already read the above articles on lighting, but im still unclear as to wheather my set-up would be sufficient)

Thanks
-Tom

 

[drives300]

Doesnt sound good for croceas or maximas but you may be Ok with a derasa.

 

[skinz78]

second that

 

[95accord]

good enough. thanks for the heads up.

 

[madadi]

do you have individual reflectors or one reflector for both bulbs. i think any photosynthetic clam might be struggling since im sure your planing to put it in the bottom on the sand. also if you have an 18k and a actinic bulbs, the blue bulbs tend to have lower PAR then daylight bulbs. less PAR means less light available for photosynthesis that the clam needs. id add two more t5s with a retro kit. and put some whiter bulbs in there.

 

[cwilson]

you could also support a hippopis (spelled wrong) with that

 

[jmaneyapanda]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11126946#post11126946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cwilson
you could also support a hippopis (spelled wrong) with that

NO way. They need STRONG light!

 

[ezcompany]

but let me know if u find one

 

[95accord]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11126182#post11126182 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by madadi
do you have individual reflectors or one reflector for both bulbs. i think any photosynthetic clam might be struggling since im sure your planing to put it in the bottom on the sand. also if you have an 18k and a actinic bulbs, the blue bulbs tend to have lower PAR then daylight bulbs. less PAR means less light available for photosynthesis that the clam needs. id add two more t5s with a retro kit. and put some whiter bulbs in there.

its a built-in high-polish aluminum reflector on the inside for both bulbs.

would, for example, 2 power-glo bulbs be a better option? (2 x 18K bulbs)

 

[cwilson]

wow. sorry for the bad info

i was always told they dont need that much

*phew* good thing i never bought one!