New Tank on < $1000 budget - suggestions needed

[yhbae]

I still don't get it. Lets compare two tanks - 20 long and 20 high. So according to this article, both requires same amount of light. But plants in 20 long would be much closer to the light source than the ones in 20 high, no? May be they are assuming the light is a point source, placed in the middle of the hood, hence long tanks will have more water between plants at the edge of the tank and the light source, averaging out to be the same as tall tanks? (did that make sense? lol )

 

[McLendon]

I don't rember the math for it any more
But the power of the light drops very fast as you move away from the light

 

[jm1212]

if you look for deals, you can get something that is at least 300 gallons for about $450.

that said, you'll still need to filter and light the tank. depending on what kind of filters you want, the costs can add up fast. on a 300 gallon tank, you'll want at least two C-530 canister filters, which can easily be $400.

 

[tropical dude]

Did you not read that I was going to do a DIY filter? I also know that the deeper a tank is the more light it will need. I am simply asking what length light strips I should get (e.g 2 30" 2x65 watt strip or 1 48" 4x65 watt strip) and should I go with VHO, compact, or T-5. ONDO is not out of the question and I have done electrical work in the past. Perhaps metal halide would be a good choice?