is 4x 24w T5 ho bulbs on a 36g tank enough light for clams?
36 gallon bow front with 2x 10kk and 2x actinic. 24 watt and 24 inch each.
36 gallon bow front with 2x 10kk and 2x actinic. 24 watt and 24 inch each.
jtrusnik
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It depends on the clam species and how deep in the tank ut is. For a common Tridacnid crocea placed high-up, you might keep it *alive,* but I doubt it would grow and thrive. It also would likely have to ramp up its zooxanthellae populations, leading to the mantle turning more brownish.
Honestly, I would go with more bulbs, or switch to metal halides.
You might get away with a T. derasa, but there's no guarantee (and, in my opinion, they tend to be the ugliest of the Tridacnids anyway).
pc23211
That is risky. There is a good chance that will not be enough light.
However, if your t5 fixture has individual reflectors for each bulb, you might be able to get away with it. Individual reflectors greatly increase the intensity of the t5s. You will need to keep the clam near the very top of the tank.
If you do get a clam I would get a Tridacna derasa which has lower light requirements than maxima.