Stumped on lighting for 30 gal!

[D-DAY]

I have a 30 gal (36"x16"x12"). I want to plant moderate to heavy. I don't want to build my own enclosure. Here is my problem...

Lighting is such a great issue with a planted tank. I wanted to stay above at least 2.0 watts per gal. I am debating between the
1. Coralife Aqualight (Freshwater) 1x96watts
2. Custom Sealife Smartlite Strip 1x96watts
3. All-Glass triple tube strip light w/the smaller T-8 bulbs.

I know the Aqualight is a heat producer and an energy sucker, but it looks cool and it offers plenty. How are the other two as far as quality, running at cooler temps and using energy? Would they also be good choices for a planted tank? Are those T-8 bulbs decent in the All-Glass setup?

Also, I have a glass top with about 5" of space in the back to place a strip light that will be able to directly hit the plants with light (you guys know the drill).

Help!

Thanks in Advance.

[somefinnfishy]

aqualight all the way!
Those legs are cool I have a 260w 48" fixture.
Back to your tank 96W on a 30L is overkill IMHO.
I have three sugestions.
My best growing tank has factory allglass bulbs in a double fixture also the best color tones for fish and showing off plants.
Second use the 30" 65w aqualight plenty of light.
Third you could light a 38 or 45 gallon tank with the 96w< the light $120 38G glass $62 45G glass $79 you would enjoy the extra room for those plants to grow.
One more bit of advice if you have bought nothing yet reconcider doing a 40b with that 96W aqualight.

[Gomer]

96watts on a 30L...yes, but on a 30g, not overkill:D


I have 110 on my 29g (2x55 AHsupply) and love it. It does however, take extra work over low/med light tanks (with ferts and all)...but I can grow ANYTHING in it :)

the 30" 30" 65w aqualight only ~ a 21-22" bulb. THis would be a problem with shadows in the corners. I say no go.

[AthagaMor]

I don't know anything in particular about the bulbs you listed, but I'm not sure you have to have 2 w/g. In general, the better the bulbs the lower your w/g have to be and the cheaper the bulbs the more likely you need 3-4 w/g.

http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/Seminar/Basics.htm

This is a great (and rather lengthy/thorough) article on lighting that I found to be EXTREMELY helpful.

[jeffro426]

If you going to plant heavily i would shoot for the 3/WG...get the aqualight!!