yet another lighting question

[smyke]

Hello good people of AC,

I am contemplaining giving the live plants another go. I know I will have to upgrade my lights since the 20W 10000K bulb I have on there now is not going to cut it.
I would like to go at first with low light plants and hopefully no CO2 or ferts. I have been looking at different upgrades, like:

http://store.seacorals.net/cuusa3696wsa.html

http://store.seacorals.net/36co6aq65wsi.html

http://www.ahsupply.com/96watt.htm

My tank is a 45g, 36Lx12Wx24H. would those lights be overkill for what I am trying to accomplish, or would I just have to cut down on the time they are on and be able to grow some nice low light plants? Also which one of those should I choose?

I was also considering the t8 diy setup but seems like the above mentioned upgrades would be better.

I greatly appreciate your input and any suggestions you may have.

mike

[smyke]

Hmmm, tons of responses.:thumbsup:

Let me make it simpler:
I know CO2 helps in any planted tank setup, but will I have to add it with just over 2wpg???

thanks

[southpaw]

With 2wpg you would probably do just fine without c02

I would go with the Coralife freshwater light ...Here it is alittle cheaper than the link you have if you order it today...

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18369/si1383181/cl0/coralifefreshwateraqualight36powercompactlight1x96 w

[mellowvision]

I think co2 seems to help my plants more than the light does, but they work together.

I really like my 40w current usa fixture on my 10 gallon, but my 15 does just as well, with less algae, using 2 13w screw in PC bulbs...

[grannylvsfish]

I think, with the light and good water you will be fine. some plants won't some will . find what works for yours and you will be happy. I have seen many planted tanks with out co2 and there very pretty!

[smyke]

thank you all for your input.