New Tank on < $1000 budget - suggestions needed

Ok real world set up
120gl tank 60in long 25in deep.with two light strips twin Sq base bulbs in each strip.makes 120w output for each strip
For a total of 240w gives me my 2w per gl


Shining thru glass lids No firts No CO2
Thick mass of water sprit floating,2 Am swords on the bottom
Set up and running over 3 years.the water sprite will not grow on the bottom,I have to float it to grow it the swords grow Very slow and are nice green but pale.If I was going to upgrade the lights so I can grow more plants do to it's depth I'd go to 5 or6 watts to a gl.hope this helps
 
remember too that it's not the wattage of the light in terms of wpg.

on larger tanks you do not need as much. you are looking (in essence) for volume or light per sq inch of surface. larger tanks have larger surface to consider so you can get by with less light compared to smaller tanks.

in essence you could get by with a few shop lights.
 
2wpg on a 25in deep No tec tank will not work it is not enough light to really do a planted tank. I'm basing this not only from what I have learned from my 120 but also from my 30gl
It is set up just like the 120 same plants same 2wpg but it is only half as tall and how the plants grown between the two is like night and day
 
How about some links to some acceptable lights. I am looking to set up a mid light plant. Enough to grow most plants but not require CO2 or crazy amount of ferts.
 
remember too that it's not the wattage of the light in terms of wpg.

on larger tanks you do not need as much. you are looking (in essence) for volume or light per sq inch of surface. larger tanks have larger surface to consider so you can get by with less light compared to smaller tanks.

in essence you could get by with a few shop lights.

I don't know much about planted tanks.

Having said that, isn't it the height of water that matters more than the surface area?
 
www.petsolutions.com
18007373868.This is who I trade with.they have a good tec guy he is happy to Q@A and will return calls give them a try

No I make nothing off this but this is a stand up company
 
I have not done this myself but i have seen how to sites on building your own acrylic tank. i have no idea how hard it really is.
 
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