Clam under T5 HO Lighting

[yetti]

I recently started a 20G Tall aquarium, and I really love clams. I was thinking of using T5HO lighting on my tank. Do you think a 2x24W T5HO system would be enough for the less light demanding species, of would I need a 4x24W T5HO system?

Thanks for the info

[Loverotties]

Tall tank so if you got a clam that doesn't need to be in sand,maybe ok up near the top.

[crvz]

I would go with four, though you may suffice with 2 assuming that you have single lamp reflectors. With 4 bulbs and SLRs, you'd be able to keep anything you want in the tank, but if you buy a cheap light strip with just two bulbs and a crummy reflector, your ability to house clams will be suspect.

And George's recommendation is a bit faulty; rock dwelling clams are, as a rule, more light demanding (maxima and croceas). Derasa's, squamosas, and gigas clams are happier in the sand and do not need as much light.

[motownmego]

i would def do the 4 bulb there are pretty decent ones out there for good prices i plan on getting a 4 bulb for my 20gall frag if u go with the 2 bulb u r going to wish u got the 4 bulb i can tell u that for sure

[jonnosteams]

You should be ok if you stick with T. Giga, T. Derasa or T. Squamosa. It wouldn't hurt to go with a 4 bulb. I have a T. Squamosa at the bottom of my 125 - about 22" or 55cm (did I do that right?) anyway, he does very well with the four bulb, but that would be too far for just a 2 bulb.

Avg max growth size of the different types would also need to be considered for a tank that small of footprint. IMO

[jjc0987]

4 bulb for a derasa would be fine. I have a derasa under 4 HO t5s with a single reflector for all 4 bulbs and the clam has been happy for over a yr. the current nova extreme 2 bulb retrofits are $80 bucks on marine depot, so if you get 2 kits for 4 bulbs total it'll run you about 160 or so without shipping.