Need help with 29g reef!

the vipers are cool but I hear they dont reflect light as well as a pendant.. you will be fine with 150 watts but the other guy is right, 175 watts will allow you even more ability in the future to keep SPS coral. Like I said Phoenix 14k's look hot but thats because I like my tank to be more on the blue side and those lamps are known to be more blue than other 14ks and they have a great PAR rating. Remember your wattage has to match the wattage on the ballast. No exceptions.

Here is the lamp that I bought off a guy on reefcen..

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1685287

Do you need the light right away? If not just go on the reef forums every day- someone will end up selling a MH pendant and you will get a killer deal. You could also go 250 watts, but youd have to watch your heat and you will be going through a lot of electricity. the upside for getting a 250 is you will be able to use it on a bigger tank when you eventually upgrade.

Good luck man, since we both have 29's and are starting off maybe we can trade secrets (and corals) down the line.
 
I have a regular 29- 30X12X18 same as yours. A pendant will light the whole tank but 4 inches on each side will get less light which is good for less light demanding corals. Youll be fine with the pendant.
 
You'd better get that phosphate and nitrate under control before adding more light. If you don't it will be just like turning up the volume switch on your algae problem.
 
Obviously i'm new to lighting and reef tanks. Is all you need for lighting, a pendant, ballast and bulb? If so this guy is selling a ballast
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1720311

And another guy is selling a a 175 watt hamilton ballast w 14k hamilton bulb. Is there anything else I need or should make sure this stuff comes with?

Thanks alot!
 
Well, I've still got a farish way to go but i'm headed on the right track at least as far as I can tell. I'm yet to upgrade my light but i'm still planning to get a 175w ballast setup. The only thing i'm still pretty confused about it hanging the light.- As of tonight here's the params of the tank.

Amm: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: around 18ish- not amazing but could be worse
PH: 8.4
SG: 1.023-I think my refractometer is acting a little weird.
Temp: 78- Should I bring it up a little?
Calcium: 380- has moved up a bit
DKH: 9-10 also moved up a bit
Phosphates around .8- way down from around 2 last time I tested!
MG: about 1110- I don't know really how bad that is- I know I want it up a little higher but how bad is that?

I have also switched over to a good salt mix- The oceanic one. So that should help alot in the months to come!

Hopefully i'm headed in the right direction with everything!
 
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