Planted aquarium lighting

[RUSH2112]

I am interested in converting my 90 gallon into a planted tank. I plan on using all Flourite for substrate (opinions?) Is 3 inches deep enough? Which lighting is best (reg flour., power compact, VHO, etc). How much do I need? I want enough light so I will not be limited certain plants due to light. I also want enough substrate so I won't be limited in plant choices.

Thanks

 

[djlen]

If you have the cash 100% Flourite is an ideal substrate for a planted tank. It is costly and can be augmented with other material to decrease cost if necessary.
I recommend at least 4" in the back to accommodate the larger plants that will go in the back, sloping down to 1.5 - 2.5" in the front.
Compact Fluorescent is much more efficient than NO Fluorescent for a planted tank. How much you need depends on the type of plants you intend to grow and the depth of the tank (top to bottom). 3wpg will grow more 'reds' and light-needy plants in a shallow tank than they will in a deep tank.

Len