thoughts/ideas for planted aquarium

[wannabefishguru]

First off I would like to point out that I am doing a Planted Aquarium with fish, not fish with plants.

Lets start with the lights

Dual Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures by Current with Moon White Lunar Light, Dual Daylight 6,700°K/10,000°K and Dual Actinic 420 nanometer and 460 nanometer bulbs. Square pin system.

Length Bulb(s) # of Lunar Light(s)
20" 2-40 watt 1
24" 2-65 watt 1
30" 2-65 watt 1 $154.99
36" 2-96 watt 1

Filtration is a Hagen Aquaclear 50 at 200 gph $20.99 or
30 at 150 gph $19.99

substrate is either:
Eco-Complete Plant Substrate 20 lbs for 17.99 or
Flourite by Seachem 15 lbs for $14.99

Heater Jager TS Automatic 125 watts 12inches $ 18.99

29 gallon 30"L X 12"W X 18"H rough guess cannot find 29gallon glass on internet so I am using an acrylic show tank for reference by SeaClear
30 gallon ??

Hagen Master Test Kit $59.99

so if i am figuring this right Current lighting is giving me 4.65 wpg which would suit any type of plant life.

And the more light I have is where I would need to use C02 right so i was thinking of using:
Jungle Labs CO2 Fizz0$15.99 and 16 tabs for $4.59 but seems redundent
or Deluxe Fully-Automatic CO2 System $399.99 less C02 canister seems overkill or
DIY C02 system

so i think I covered it
lights
glass cover (still need)
filtration
substrate
testing equip
some sort of C02 system
heater
tank (still looking)
stand (im building that)

have i missed anything else?
am i on the right track to pre buying a complete system?

All products can be found at http://www.doctorsfostersmith.com for more details.

Any input is much appreciated being a newbie to Aquatic Plant Systems.

 

[wannabefishguru]

I know that Actinics are not required for lighting, is that true? if so should i look into different lighting?

 

[morgoth]

hi just wanna ask if why do you need heater? im living in the Philippines and we always want a colder tank. m just curious?

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I know that Actinics are not required for lighting, is that true? if so should i look into different lighting?

In a word...yes. Go with a mix of full spectrum super daylight bulbs. Many people, including myself, swear by GE's Aquarays freshwater/saltwater 9325K for plants. Mix it with a couple of super daylight bulbs in the 6500K range and you shouldn't go wrong.

 

[wannabefishguru]

Dual Daylight 6,700°K/10,000°K so these bulbs are fine right?

 

[Mooch28]

Dual Daylight 6,700°K/10,000°K so these bulbs are fine right?

I think that would make an awsome combo.

Check out this sight...... http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3719&highlight=9325

It has a 6700K bulb mixed with a GE bulbs that is rater around 9000-10000K. The colours are really enhanced with the added GE bulb to the 6700K!!

By the way, im thinking of doing the same. Going with 2 6700K and 2 9000-10000K as opposed to just 4 6700K. Does anyone know if the higher K bulbs are bad for planted tanks?? I guess this question is for both you and i Wannabe.