Generally accepted best beginner lighting?

[JimmyTheDriver]

That thing looks nice! What else would I need? Just some sort of glass shield across the entire top to replace the hoods?

 

[OldMan47]

If you want enough light to grow some plants, the 4 bulb CFL light posted above or a nice T-5 HO like this one works nicely.

 

[Kevin S.]

This may be my best option. This tank is in my living room and can't look like a DIY project with a shop light sitting over it (no offense to those who have it that way).

Are there any bulbs that will plug right into my current hood (single 18inch bulb per hood)?

My plants are pretty much dead now... which I now know is due to insufficient lighting.

-Jimmy

You cant even see the shop light at all as it is concealed completely by the canopy. Mine is in my living room and you would think it is just a standard aquarium light underneath only much brighter.

 

[BoCoMo]

You don't "need" a glass cover - they are good if you have jumpers or in case the light breaks but that particular light (at least mine) has a slide in cover that will keep any possible broken bulbs contained.

Got any pics of your tank?