questions about t-5 lighting for clams

[bigfruits]

im thinking of buying either a 50 gal (36x18x18) or a 58 gal (36x18x21) and plan on keeping all different types of clams under t5 tek lighting.

id like to keep the clams on a shallow sand bed so im wondering if i should get the shallower tank and if id need 4 or 6 bulbs.

id also like to hear how many inches you guys keep your clams from t5 bulbs and how many bulbs you are using.

thanks in advance
-z

 

[UCF]

I am using 6 T5 bulbs in my 75 gallon but I was told that I could get away with 5. 4 bulbs seemed to be on the low end.

 

[The steven liu]

you should have success however I'd keep maxima and crocea on rocks instead of sand.

 

[bigfruits]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6890690#post6890690 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCF
I am using 6 T5 bulbs in my 75 gallon but I was told that I could get away with 5. 4 bulbs seemed to be on the low end.

hey ucf, what kind of clams do you keep? do you keep any on the sandbed?

thanks
-z

 

[UCF]

Dont have any yet but I am getting some teardrops and I plan to put them on the sandbed.

 

[mbbuna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6890690#post6890690 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCF
I am using 6 T5 bulbs in my 75 gallon but I was told that I could get away with 5. 4 bulbs seemed to be on the low end.

who told you that?

Dont have any yet

 

[Ti]

Worse comes to worse move the clams up.

 

[UCF]

If that info is incorrect, please advise what is. That info came from multiple sources on this site. Still learning here, so I certainly do not know it all.

This article helped me http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/Clam_care/Clam_care.htm

 

[mbbuna]

from that artical

Suffice it to say, in most aquariums with a depth of 20" to 30", a 175 - 250 watt metal halide lamp per square foot will do a great job. In aquariums less than 20ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ deep, you could also utilize compact fluorescent (PC) and VHO bulbs. Keep in mind that the different species will dictate the lighting requirements. For example, Tridacna crocea and Tridacna maxima require more intense lighting than the other species.

 

[gussy]

Your lights are fine but your tank is too tall. Get a shorter tank and everything should be fine.