Clam and lighting

Probably a common question and I am pretty sure I know the answer, but how much light does a clam need?

I know it depends on species, but I have a dual bulb T5HO light fixture right on top of the tank and would like to put a clam on the sandbed 19" below. Im thinking its a no go but wasnt sure if some of the lwoer light clams like derasa would work.

If not does upgrading to a 4 bulb fixture allow me to keep clams?

 

imo you don't have enough light for clams, they require lots of light, i know they like m/h, i had your type of lights and clams died on me until i got m/h ,now i have no problems keeping them.

 

i wouldn't try it with a 2 bulb. You might be able to get away with a 4 bulb with a derasa but i can't speak from experience. i have a derasa under a 6 bulb and it does fine. hopefully someone will chime in that has one under a 4.

 

If the clam is directly beneath the reflectors it should be fine.

 

maybe this will help

Aquarium Invertebrates: On Lighting for Tridacnid Clams — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

I had a Squamosa and Crocea on the SB under 4 t5's for years and they are thriving.24" depth.I agree with John they should be fine.

 

I agree a clam will be fine. Perhaps start with a Derasa.

 

A Derasa would do fine under a 4 bulb at 19" depth IMO. I have mine at 24" in the front corner, so it's not even under direct light like the SPS. IMO water flow plays a big part in making a clam thrive. Good Luck!

 

He is actually using a 2 bulb fixture but as long as it is directly underneath the reflectors any clam should be fine at 19" IME.

 

Thanks for the input guys. So to keep a clam do I need to get a second fixture to make it 4 bulb or would the dual bulb work ok as long as the clam is right udner the reflector?