do I have enough lighting for a crocea clam?

[Dr.Nate]

From what I have read, I think maybe not, but I just want to be sure. I have a 55 gal tank (4 ft. long) and have coralife PC lighting with 2x56 W actinics and 2x65W 10K bulbs (moonlights also). What do you all think?

 

[Jason]

Everyone else is going to tell you no, but I will tell you yes. I had a purple crocea in a 20 gallon under 65watts of PC light for about 8 months. It grew about 1/2" in that time.

That's just my experience though.

 

[jackdp]

I would think no, there are light needy inverts/corals that will live and even grow under insufficient lighting but to really flourish need the higher output lights. I have a crocea in a 20L tank its under a 175watt metal halide and 2 55 watt PC actinics. Some have told me that my lighting is on the low side for a clam. Just my 2 cents though HTH

 

[MT79]

Croceas are the most light needy of the giant clams. According to everything I've read they should only be kept under MH lighting. I know from personal experience that they can take all the light you can throw at them, and some, and will love it! A Derasa or Squamosa clam would be more appropriate under your lighting.
FWIW Jason 8 months is not along time at all. It will some times take upto 6 months just for clams to start showing signs of stress due to poor lighting/water quality. HTH

 

[Dr.Nate]

that's what I figured. So Derasa's or okay and squamosa's are okay.....what about Maximas?

 

[MT79]

Maximas are alittle less light needy than Croceas but not much. Maybe if placed in the upper 1/3rd of the aquarium it would survive-but it may lose it's coloring w/ time. Honestly I have no personal experience w/ Maxi's... FWIW I've seen some Derasa/Squamosa clams w/ really interesting color patterns.