Need some help.

[customdrum]

depending on the kind of plants you want to grow will determine the lighting you will want. if you go over 2wpg( like a 4x 65watt fixture) you will need presserized co2 to keep the algae down and ferts daily.
if you want a easy low tech tank i would stay around 200 watts. or less.
96 watt ah supply kit over a 125 tank would be a good start for a low light tank, plants like anubias, java ferns, crypts,vals, wisteria,hornwort,guppy grass are low light plants that would work with the 96w kit.
but if you want any medium light plants you will need more lighting and the co2 and ferts.
most people like to have alittle more than 1wpg so the plants will stay alive and actually grow.

 

[goalieman59]

depending on the kind of plants you want to grow will determine the lighting you will want. if you go over 2wpg( like a 4x 65watt fixture) you will need presserized co2 to keep the algae down and ferts daily.
if you want a easy low tech tank i would stay around 200 watts. or less.
96 watt ah supply kit over a 125 tank would be a good start for a low light tank, plants like anubias, java ferns, crypts,vals, wisteria,hornwort,guppy grass are low light plants that would work with the 96w kit.
but if you want any medium light plants you will need more lighting and the co2 and ferts.
most people like to have alittle more than 1wpg so the plants will stay alive and actually grow.

I already have a med/high light tank, with co2 injected. I am just trying to save a few bucks on the lighting. I was thinking about 4 shop lights with 2 x40w plant bulbs, what do you think? Would that work?

 

[Yoemen]

the shop lights worked on my 55 and 75, just not sure if they will be strong enough to penetrate to the bottom of a 125, not sure what the depth is.

 

[goalieman59]

the shop lights worked on my 55 and 75, just not sure if they will be strong enough to penetrate to the bottom of a 125, not sure what the depth is.

with tank being 24" deep, i think that is the big issues.

 

[goalieman59]

Will this work?

http://www.aquariumplants.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SS960081&CartID=0

 

[goalieman59]

Ok for the new tank i was thinking I would go with a natural gravel, would I be ok getting it from a landscape store and just making sure it was washed and clean really well.

 

[dundadundun]

yup, should be fine on the gravel.

 

[goalieman59]

ahsupply.com

the 96 watt kit will be your friend.

I have decide to go with your advice on this one, now should I go with 2 or 4 for the tank.