125 Gallon Tank: what do I need?

[carcinoma]

Trying to figure out what I need for a 125G 6ft tank.
I have a Fluval FX5 that I plan to use for filtration.
I also have 2 options for lights (from my previous reef keeping days):
option 1. 2-96W PC's
option 2. 6-54W Tek-T5 set-up w/individual reflectors


Which light set-up should I use for low-medium plants?
Can I get by with Fluorite substrate only? Do I also have to supplement with plant food and nutrients?
I am planning to get a used CO2 system.... I know that bubble count is important. How do I figure out the appropriate bubble count?

Thanks.

 

[Adhlc]

For low to moderate light plants, the PC bulbs with be ok, but with the T5 techs you'll be able to do much more, provided you swap out the Actinics for some 6700ks. Also, what are the lengths of the two fixtures? Are they going to be long enough to span the entire 6 feet, or are you just going to have one concentrated area of light?

As for the substrate, Flourite will be just fine. Unfortunately, I don't have much hands on experience with pressurized, so I can't really answer your last question. Perhaps another member could give you some more insight on the correct bpms for the CO2.

 

[sterling_mcdaniel]

IMO you will be more happy with the T-5 in the long run.

 

[velanarris]

Bubble count will depend on your lighting, and that T5 system will be more in the medium/high range with the right lights.

It also depends on your water's kH and pH, what sort of [plants, and fish, etc.

But you've got some good gear to start. The t5's with an injection system will give you access to a wide range on plants. As for fert dosing, it depends on how densely you're planting. Typically you're looking at a daily regime with a weekly water change, for the least stressful dosing system. Look up the EI method, or the Barr method.

 

[carcinoma]

Bubble count will depend on your lighting, and that T5 system will be more in the medium/high range with the right lights.

It also depends on your water's kH and pH, what sort of [plants, and fish, etc.

But you've got some good gear to start. The t5's with an injection system will give you access to a wide range on plants. As for fert dosing, it depends on how densely you're planting. Typically you're looking at a daily regime with a weekly water change, for the least stressful dosing system. Look up the EI method, or the Barr method.

WHere do I go to read about things like CO2 bubble count and the relationship to lighting (T5's) specifically?
Thanks.