I use 60 watts of light, DIY CO2 injection, peat substrate with pool filter and top... This was my former QT tank. I upgraded to a 30 QT and decided to see how cheaply I could do this. The tank and filter were already existing, I had pool filter sand laying around, and the light bar was a trade in for fry. I paid $3.00 for a bag of peat and $5.00 each for a pair wild blue Rams, $8 for 5 ottos, and about $3 in plants. Most are locally collected, with only the swords and taller Ludwigia purchased. I love Florida.