In need of lighting recommendations!! Planted tank

Thanks for all the info. It is very much appreciated. I have been over to the plant forum reading on what others are posting but have read a lot of people with mixed feeling on how much light and when CO2 is necessary.

Having read what you guyss posted will most likely stay with that 2.3 wpg setup because from what I saw my next option on those types of lighting systems would be about 4 wpg but having to change out those actinic bulbs with 6700k. Will be doing more research on this topic.

My sister and brother-in-law just got a new 90 gallon setup. Extremely nice! She is going to sell me her 55 setup but has the hood and light that came with the "package". Should be a few more weeks until she has her 90 gallon running.

Well here's another question for everyone. My sister will give me a good price on her only 1 year old 55 setup. BUT...what I really wanted was a 75 gallon tank but then that requires me to go and purchase everything. I have been contemplating what to do for the past couple weeks. what should I do?

My goal is to have a tank with quality fish. Rainbows, my 2 plecos, and maybe some blood parrots. But I have to keep my ph down. I don't want to the tank to be over crowded. I want the fish to have plenty of swimming room. thanks again
 
Your tank looks great. I should probably just go with the 55. Its going to be much cheaper. Yes and the CO2 thing. Will be going with the DIY system at first. Now just have to find the plants I want to use.
 
If at all possible you can do both aquariums. Most people can't because of finances or not enough room until MTS(multiple tank syndrome which has no cure but most people are happy they have it) sets in. The 75 is taller and wider and most people like this better than a 55 although a 55 is nice too. In the 75 with the extra room you can aquascape it easier and of course with more water volume you can have more fish and the tank will be easier to maintain its levels. If you really have your heart set on the 75 then I would go with that since you may regret it later.

As far as the co2 thing, it is really not a must until you get to 3 watts of light per gallon of water or more. Yes, the plants will benifit from co2 injection even if the lighting is under 3 watts of light but it is not an absolute must. With the higher lighting comes algae problems without the co2 injection. I have three fully planted aquariums with 2.8 watts of light and no co2 injection for them. I do use Florish excel( a liquid form of co2 that goes directly in the water) and Florish for extra nutrients in the water that the plants need and my algae is fairly non-exsistent.

Marinemom
 
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