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I am making progress on my 55 build out and have the cabinet almost complete. I threw it all together for a quick round of pics to update a related thread so now comes the lighting question(s)
Now here is my concept, the light or light rack would hang from these two mounting brackets made from some form of tubing whether it be aluminum or steel. I would attach it to the rear of the cabinet and I would be able to adjust the height that way as well.
As you can see from the FTS I have ample room for whatever. I want to keep it attached to the cabinet because the ceiling or wall is not an option. Inevitably I will go with a larger tank and this wall albeit 13" from end to end will not be where the tank ends up. I have an even longer wall for that, I just have to ninja it so my wife does not see it coming until it is too late.
I am not sure how to approach the light, what amount would I need etc. Although there is some light as you can see filtering in from the outside, the blinds would not be open for the most part and what little comes in from there would not factor in being it is across the room 25" away. This is not going to be high tech, it will be a dirt tank. If the gods so choose it and by some streak of luck I win that RAOK for the CO2 then the plan changes of course and my low tech would suddenly change. Taking that into account lets say it remains low tech, no CO2 because I am po' and cannot afford it. If I went with low light plants would a dual T8HO setup be sufficient for this?
Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated. I welcome all suggestions as I know there are a lot of you out there that know more than I can absorb in a small amount of time.

Now here is my concept, the light or light rack would hang from these two mounting brackets made from some form of tubing whether it be aluminum or steel. I would attach it to the rear of the cabinet and I would be able to adjust the height that way as well.
As you can see from the FTS I have ample room for whatever. I want to keep it attached to the cabinet because the ceiling or wall is not an option. Inevitably I will go with a larger tank and this wall albeit 13" from end to end will not be where the tank ends up. I have an even longer wall for that, I just have to ninja it so my wife does not see it coming until it is too late.
I am not sure how to approach the light, what amount would I need etc. Although there is some light as you can see filtering in from the outside, the blinds would not be open for the most part and what little comes in from there would not factor in being it is across the room 25" away. This is not going to be high tech, it will be a dirt tank. If the gods so choose it and by some streak of luck I win that RAOK for the CO2 then the plan changes of course and my low tech would suddenly change. Taking that into account lets say it remains low tech, no CO2 because I am po' and cannot afford it. If I went with low light plants would a dual T8HO setup be sufficient for this?
Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated. I welcome all suggestions as I know there are a lot of you out there that know more than I can absorb in a small amount of time.
