Lighting for ViaAqua 18g

[rpavlick3@yahoo.com]

I recently decided to make the plunge in to nano-reefing and bought a used ViaAqua 18g setup. The problem is it only came with 2 18w power compact bulbs, 1 blue and 1 daylight. From reading this forum for the past couple weeks, I've gleaned that this probably isn't sufficient.

 

Anyway, I liked to buy something more powerful. I don't really want to build it or take anything apart. I'd like something I can just take out of the box, plug in the bulb, attach to the tank and turn it on. Also, I can't really do the hanging lamp thing.

 

Is there some sort of lighting fixture that I can buy that will fit this tank without modification. Maybe, something like 2 x 36w bulbs.

 

I plan to ditch the undergravel filter (never liked them on my tropical tanks). I did not buy the powerskimmer featured in the picture. What Hang-on-Back filter do you recommend for this tank? I'd like to have at least 180 gph of flow.

[Sushi]

if you're up for the challenge, read thru my thread. click the picture in my signature. try reading it from beginning to the end. it'll give u some insight on what's worked and what's NOT worked for me... good luck, the Via Aqua 18g, is an awesome tank, and you will not regret the purchase trust me!

[Dvon0605]

get the 96 watt power quad

it should fit perfect

[Sushi]

i suggest the 150w MH retro.... you'll only wish you've gone MH after spending money on PC's

[Wobach]

(SORRY TO STEAL YOUR THREAD!)-

K, IVE ALREADY TRIED ASKING PEEPS ON THIS SITE, BUT WHAT ARE THE MEASUREMENTS FOR THIS TANK, IM HOPEFULLY RECIEVING IT FOR XMAS! LOL, IVE HEARD TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT MEASUREMENTS FOR IT SO I WAS JUST WONDERING!?

 

ONCE AGAIN, SORRY rpavlick3@yahoo.com

[apex003]

rpavlick3-

If you've got the stock fixture, which it looks like from your pics, the system on the 18g Via Aqua is a 2x36W PC system (unless there's another, lower wattage system I didn't know about)which, depending on what you plan to keep, is adequate for many corals. I have this same system, and have zoas, xenia, leathers, ricordia, and mushrooms that are all doing very well under these lights (I did change to 10K and actinic Coralife bulbs, though). Just didn't want you to buy a 2x36W system to replace a 2x36W system; although the Via Aqua ballasts don't have the best track record. That's a future thread...

[Madmike]

yup, the 18 gallon has dual 36w pc's. They should be sufficient for softies...but like uchiha, ive gone over to the dark side and added a 150W radium,lol

 

What kind of skimmer is that on the back. It might be sufficient along with live rock. I run a remora on the back of mine along w/ live rock and a starboard bottom.

 

OT:

Has anyone figured out what that ugly plastic thing is along the back left hand side of our tanks? I just cut mine out with a razor blade, i hope it was nothing structural:(

later

Mike

[Madmike]

oh, and for wobach...chill with the caps lock, it makes it seem like your yelling at us.

www.commodityaxis.com is the webstite for the ViaAqua, look under aquarium cabinets and then under the LV-680.

Length: 20"

Width: 13.25"

Height: 18.75"

Hood Height: 5"

Mike

[uglybuckling]

I second the 96W powerquad from Coralife, unless you're planning to keep SPS corals or a clam.

 

MH eats a lot of power and is more trouble than its worth unless you have a good reason to want it.

 

--B

[uglybuckling]

The skimmer looks like a CPR Bak-pak, but he said he didn't buy it.

 

You don't need a skimmer anyway. Live rock alone is sufficient as a filter.....and so long as you keep up with your water changes, nitrates shouldn't get out of control.

 

--B

[Wobach]

lol sorry i wasnt yelling just forgot caps was on and by the time i had finished typing i couldnt be bothered to type it out agen!!!

[Madmike]

no problem, i hope you get one for xmas, they are the best looking nano's by far!

Mike