[PaytonGPettet]

I have an 80 gallon freshwater tank and I really want to make it well planted and use ground cover along with some taller plants but I cant figure out what lights to buy for it. I'm not afraid of spending money I just want it too be a good investment and to not be ugly. I'm currently considering this set up http://fishneedit.com/4ft4bulbs-with-l44.html but I dont know what color bulbs and what temp to get. I also dont know it this will be enough for my 80 gallon tank. Please help me.

 

[jjp2]

You should consider CO2 before the lighting. This is because with additional CO2, you can grow most plants in lower light conditions.

With that light, you will have too much light for your 80 gallon tank. You really only need a 2 bulb fixture. More than that could be nice if you have CO2 and tend your tank daily. If you don't, you will have tons of growth and possible that evil A word ... algae.

For bulbs, you will want the white bulbs in the 6500K or 1 6500K and 1 10,000K.

On the ugly part, I myself perfer the black fixtures over the silver.

Hope this helps.

 

[drbotts]

Call these guys and tell them what you want. You'll get a better setup for the same or less than anything else out there. http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/index.php?cPath=71
I don't think 1 person on here who has their fixtures will give them a bad rating.

Also- I second the Co2 first point. I went 'light first' and it forced me to go pressurized co2 within 2 weeks....... Algae.

 

[PaytonGPettet]

Okay so how much is a C02 system for my 80 gallon? are they difficult to maintain and how much of a benifit will I see?

 

[drbotts]

Well, I would read up on Co2 on these boards. A good one, purchased, is $250+. A good one, built by you is $150-$250 and an inexpensive and ok one is $100-$150ish. Sometimes less if you go paintball.
There's a lot of options, read up on Co2. There are TONS of threads on it here.

 

[demonr6]

Call these guys and tell them what you want. You'll get a better setup for the same or less than anything else out there. http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/index.php?cPath=71
I don't think 1 person on here who has their fixtures will give them a bad rating.

Also- I second the Co2 first point. I went 'light first' and it forced me to go pressurized co2 within 2 weeks....... Algae.

Nice link! I am going to give them a call..