t5's and clams

[red71veloce]

Has anyone had any experience keeping clams under t5's? I am putting together a new system and am thinking of using a 48" fixture with 8 54 watt lamps. In such a system, would the clams be ok at 16" to 24" below the lamps, or would they need to be higher up in the system? Thanks for any help...Tracy

 

[skinz78]

t5's are great for clams, I have 10 in my tank and they are all thriveing. I think the depth of the clam just depends on the particular clam. I have only gotten one of my crocea's to successfully attach to my rockwork. The other 2 keep pitching themselves off on to the sand. Four of my maximas attached right away and the fifth I can't get to attach to noting, he just likes the sand I guess. With the t5 you will save $ on electricity too.

 

[skinz78]

I forgot, get a fixture with individual reflectors for the bulbs.

 

[red71veloce]

I was looking at the Current USA fixture with 8 54 watt bulbs and a few LED moonlights. I really want a fixture with the moonlights integral to it, not an add on. I haven't seen this fixture in person, but I suspect it doesn't have individual reflectors for each bulb. I understand this would increase and focus each bulbs output, but is it necessary? Any comments???

 

[scapes]

I have this fixture you are inquiring about. I LOVE IT!! I have an 80g bow and it came w/ a retrofit kit of 4 vho's. the wires melted or something (championlighting wouldn't honor their warranty) and almost burnt my house down & I had this 8x54w fixture on another tank. so I had to move it to my 80g and it is sooo much brighter than the vho's. I have my croceas & maxis' in the middle of my tank and on top of the tank w/ derasa's and squammies on the bottom of the sand.

no, they don't have individual reflectors. but, it's worked out and looks good.

 

[Slakker]

individual reflectors increase PAR value by a ton...so you can get away with fewer bulbs if you have individual reflectors than if you don't.

I forget the exact numbers of the percent increase by adding individual reflectors, but the research is out there if you look for it.