Ive been told by numerous sources that PCs will keep a clam alive, you just need metal halides to bring out thier colors.

True or false?

-Diana

Most likely it will live under PCs but will it do very well? I doubt it.

Sorry I suppose I should have said that. In order for it to thrive in your aquarium it will require metal halides.

the one i am baby sitting is a squamosa and he is doing great. i guess i will have to wait then :sad:

booooo...t5!

lol, which are better for straight actinic???

Tridacna gigas is almost completely photosynthetic even at small sizes. My friend Cyril has NEVER fed his ever; it's always been under PC's (just about a year now, first in a 10 gallon nano, now a 33, always on the sand) and has doubled in sizes from 2" to 3.75".

Other clams like maxima and crocea are likewise less food dependant, relying mostly on their zooanthellae. But keep in mind that they are far more light demanding than the clams like the hippopus and derasas, which will more than likely exhibit very reduced growth without feedings of phyto.

Size is one thing, species selection is another. Keep that in mind when choosing a clam.

so if i get a gigas, you think he will be ok???

Maaaaybe, my friend's is. You might have a hard time finding a gigas though.

You know for the health of a clam you are probably better off waiting until you get your new tank set up and stable with the correct light. You always hear stories of a friend of a friend that has such and such that does just fine under PC or NO light (or whatever the case may be) Yes there are exeptions to most things in this hobby and other things but that is just what they are - exceptions.
A Gigas clam will get huge in time and if you research clams you will find that most sources recommend MH lights for clams.
I have 6 clams in my 230g - crocea and squamosa - all doing well and all under MH light. I didn't add any of them until my tank had been set up for 7 months and was stable. With my new tank that has been set up for 6 weeks I won't consider adding any for another 6 months.
It's your tank and you can do whatever you want but clams are expensive and will have the best chance under good lighting and water conditions.