^^^ forgot one drawback of MH, The heat. Depending on tank, may need a chiller, another $4-500 the main reason i just bought a 4 tube T5 instead of MH

You have PM.

Thanks for doing the research Greg. The Nova Extreme Pro 36" also look good. It looks like the new model has individual reflectors and it can be had for $350.

No problem :)

I've used it all, PC, MH 150's and 250's and now T5's. I am very much a convert to the T5 fan club :)

I just called the place where she bought the clam. It is a Maxima, and the guy says that my PC lighting will be fine. Of course, I don't believe everything fishmongers tell me but I guess for now I will place him as high as possible and watch him closely.

Pretty sure it's a crocea. Maximas have more, or more pronounced scutes on their shels.

I second the crocea ID.

Crocea as well.

Must make you comfortable about what the LFS said about lights when then don't even know what they're selling.

You said it!

Definitely Crocea. Looks like a nice colour though, once it opens up its mantle. And yeah, if the LFS can't name the spcies they sold you, I wouldn't trust their lighting advice too much.