10G Via Aqua lighting question

[markjd]

Seasons greetings all

 

 

I'm a newb at marine tanks and I've been looking at the awesome setup pics posted on this site with some jealousy I'm thinking about the round corner Via Aqua AR 380 10G as my first tank:

 

http://www.commodityaxis.com/index2.htm

 

 

My question is about the standard lighting on this unit. What can I put in my tank with the standard 13w fluorescent lamp?

 

 

Thanks

Mark

[FAHZ]

Mark:

 

I'm new to reefing myself but I think the lights they come with seem to be ok. My LFS has a 10 Gallon setup that caught my eye. So far I own an 18 & 10 gallon ViaAqua which I have just setup over the last two weeks. If I would change any think on my 18 it would be to change the white from 7500k to 10,000k. I used the undergravel filter on my 18 but went to sand for my 10.

 

Fahz

 

18 gallons glass ViaAqua 20”L x 13.5”W x 18.5”H

PL compact lighting 2x36 7100k white 12000k blue

LV 680 Powerhead

20lbs crushed coral gravel

20lbs Tonga LR

[CRG]

Just curious, do the stock lights that come with the ViaAqua tanks offer dawn/dusk control?

[FAHZ]

On/off switch for each light only. Must add your own timer. No dusk/dawn control.

 

fahz

[LiQuiD]

At 15" deep, you really can not keep much with a 13 watt light (unless the coral is a couple inches from the light). I guess some shrooms & zoo's may work.

 

As far as the LFS setup goes. You can fill a tank with Acropora and put an incadescent 10 watt bulb over it and it will appear to be doing OK for a good amount of time. Corals do not die instantly from poor light, it takes some time. I would check what they have in it and find out how long the corals have been in it. They are a LFS so they can swap the corals out every few weeks to keep it looking good.

 

Bottom line is if you want to keep a good healthy tank and be able to keep a variety of animals happy in it, get some good lights. Behind good water quality, is good lighting. Do yourself a favor and spend the money for the lights, it will be worth it in the long run.

[LiQuiD]

I was reading another thread that said there is an 11 gallon with (2) 18 watt lights in it. 36 watts over the 11 gallon would be a pretty good starter nano reef and would allow for healthier coral with the 36 watt total light. I don't know the cost difference but I would spend the few extra bucks and go for that one if you must get a via aqua setup.

[markjd]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I think I've worked out that the little little provided from the 10G Via Aqua 13W fluoro aint going to cut it. If I have to replace the lighting completely, and maybe even the lid to accomodate new light fixture, I may as well not buy it!

 

 

Thanks

Mark

[FAHZ]

I had to look because I thought my lights were brighter. Surprise Surprise I have an 11 ViaAqua with two 18 watts da. Thats also what the LFS has on display.

 

Fahz