The monos are around 11 to 12inches. In fact, according to the LFS I got one of them from, one was heading for the sewage system. The ex owner called the LFS up and asked if they were willing to take it, I'm glad they did
Lighting wise, I use 3 white T5s and 1 red T5. The water's yellowish because I added blackwater essense, which is actually for my growout tank which shares the same water from the sump.