I use 24/7s on my 210, and if I recall correctly they did okay with plants up until my fish decided they didn't want them anymore. Although that was in a 24" tall tank that used pool filter sand and no forts, so you should have better luck. The 24/7 feature is pretty exaggerated, as the sun rises and sunsets are orange, and night is purple, but I also like the autonomy of the lights.Thanks! I'll try it without one and see how it goes. I started ordering everything now, so when the time comes i don't have to wait anymore than necessary.
I ran into a small snag with a few ideas. one being i wanted to use a hydor inline filter, but the fx6 uses 1" hose, and the hydor 5/8. Not wanting to use adapters, i browsed for other options and decided to go with a Fluval E300 https://www.fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/e300-advanced-electronic-heater-2/ I think it'll serve it's purpose well for what i want, and i can still use it with my inkbird controller.
Next, i found a lot of less than stellar on the seachem substrate that i wanted to use. I wasn't game for putting in serious effort of multiple rinsing and drying and soaking etc just for substrate, so i went with ultum nature controsoil which requires no rinsing, and still seems to fit the bill of what i want. More expensive, but if it saves me a hassle it's fine.
For lighting, i ordered a Finnex Planted+ 24/7 V2. Reviews are hit or miss as far as if people like the 24/7 feature or not, but i think it intrigues me. most of my tanks are smart setups already, so this will fit right in. I like peace of mind of things running themselves, one less animal to tend to at 4am before work.
As far as plants, and other decor, that will be left for the end. I have a few ideas that i'm not quite sure will work, so i want to try them before i mention anything, so that way there if i fail i fail when no ones looking
Now i'm left with browsing for food. Any recommendations while i look around?
I think your best option for aquascapes is dragonstone and/or driftwood. They tend to complement plants pretty well.
As for flake food, I feed my fish Ken's tropical fish flakes, and they go nuts for it. They actually tend to prefer it over any pellet food I give them, and these are 12" fish.
Amazon.com: 1 lb. Ken's Premium Tropical Fish Flake by Ken's Fish: Pet Supplies
Amazon.com: 1 lb. Ken's Premium Tropical Fish Flake by Ken's Fish: Pet Supplies
www.amazon.com