55 gal and compact floresent

[Mykayel]

I'm looking to do a planted tank, and I was thinkinga bout doing the 2x55 watt kit from http://www.ahsupply.com/ I'm assuming that would be plenty of light for low to mid light plants. However, do you think that I would definately need to do CO2 inorder to avoid algee problems?

Also, as far as the watts/gal, what types of lighting does that apply to, what types put out more light/watt and therefore it doesn't apply to?

 

[djlen]

The 2X55 will supply you with a low light environment because of the depth of a 55.
All types of Crypts., Anubia, Java Fern, Val., and Sagitaria should all do well for you under that lighting.
No, you would not 'need' CO2 if you work hard at finding the balance and are patient with it. However CO2 would assist greatly with the growth process, as most of the above named plants are slow growing.
CF lighting is the most efficient lighting and the type that you will find at AH Supply. 2.0 wpg/CF using AH reflectors yields almost twice the brightness of NO light(shop lights). I suggest you go ahead as planned. You can add more lighting if you want to later.

Len