newbie - equip suggestions

[eep]

I've been doing some reading as was looking at getting this (link), but also was wanting to know if i should upgrade anything else besides the light, i dont have a huge budget, but i do want to do it right


http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=274

aim:eeps
thank you
nick

 

[Agu]

[welcome]

 

[mister crabs]

that tank is a good deal....other option is a 24 gal aquapod with MH but for that price you only get 70watt

 

[eep]

is that not a good light to get?

 

[mister crabs]

the viper? its not bad....first release had problems with the tension screw holding the light upright....but from what i hear its fixed now

 

[eep]

will it be a good enough light for hard corals, clams, and anemones? and would the rest of the tank parts...pumps,filters and whatever else be good enough for now, or should i get better ones before i start?

thank you for any information

 

[salt e]

i think IMO if you get everything USED...you could save an arm and a leg...as well as a few fingers... and most likely walk away with a pretty nice single 150-175w MH set that would be perfect for what you are trying to do... but hey...thats just 2 pennies...Welcome to RC dude.

IME if you get the right stuff from the start, you can save a bundle in the long run...

 

[eep]

would that light be good enough for a clam and anemones/corals?

 

[dystopian]

I have a 70watt JBJ Viper (one of the first ones released without the tension screw issue) and I've gotta admit, the bulb isn't as bright as I expected from a 70w. I've read of a few others having the same issue (both 70 and 150 versions i think), switched to other bulbs and have had great success with it.

Personally speaking, I love the JBJ lamp. It's a great looking alternative if hanging a pendant is not an option. Still using the original bulb, but since I don't have any SPS there yet, I'm not too worried about the dimmer light. If you intend on keeping SPS, clams or anemones, you might want to change the bulb. Color on the bulb is awesome though ^_^

 

[eep]

what would be a good bulb to change to?

 

[dystopian]

Next bulb I'd get if I were to replace the one on my Viper would be a Phoenix 14k (I think they make them in 70w versions).