I'm not trying to get in the argument here; I've learned that arguing on a message board is futile and really childish. I have to agree that it's better to ignore an abrasive comment than to come back on the defensive. I may not have 1000+ posts here; I don't have enough time; I do have a lot of experience with marine invertebrates and fish. Don't ever put anything you're not sure you can take care of in your tank. Ask questions first. That out of the way, I'm excited for you about the clam.
I'd really reconsider putting him in the middle. I'd really put him as close to the top of the water as possible. I have clams about 14" from a 400w halide------they can handle the light. I wouldn't worry too much about shocking the clam with a couple of 96w compacts.
I have some very strong opinions against bowl feeding of clams. I'm not a PhD, but it strikes me as very unnatural to do this. I liken it to eating all of your daily caloric intake at one meal. Why not just dose the tank every day?! I have my doubts about whether or not baby clams can take in enough in a few minutes, or even an hour, in a tray or bowl. Filter feeding is a constant, not a once daily process. Clams are constantly filtering small quantities of phytoplankton. To me, it seems very unhealthy to stress an animal by removing it and replacing it every day. Not to mention time consuming. I personally have had great success and growth with small maximas by feeding a small amount of phyto every day instead of every other day. I have a very large, efficient beckett skimmer, and have never noticed any amount of phyto removed from the water.
Maybe someone out there will come back with a link on clam feeding studies, but I think there is some consideration needed to stress induced by these feedings
Hope I haven't stepped on anyone's toes here.