Need some tips to start

[I'mHooked]

Just for my two cents worth, I've had great success growing plants with 5500k lights, including java fern to glosso...I only have a ten gallon (much smaller than your tank, lol) and I use the home depot compact fluorescents. I have a watts-per-gallon ratio of about 3.75 and the plants are growing like mad. To be fair, I also do CO2 injection and ferts, but plants will demand more ferts when there's high lighting.

But point is, I've heard of guys making cheap hoods for large tanks using several compact fluorescent light bulbs in order to cut costs. You might be able to find one for sale.

And I agree with velanarris and the description of kelvin ratings. Spot on.

 

[West1]

Just for my two cents worth, I've had great success growing plants with 5500k lights, including java fern to glosso...I only have a ten gallon (much smaller than your tank, lol) and I use the home depot compact fluorescents. I have a watts-per-gallon ratio of about 3.75 and the plants are growing like mad. To be fair, I also do CO2 injection and ferts, but plants will demand more ferts when there's high lighting.

But point is, I've heard of guys making cheap hoods for large tanks using several compact fluorescent light bulbs in order to cut costs. You might be able to find one for sale.

And I agree with velanarris and the description of kelvin ratings. Spot on.

I dont plan on going 1watt per gallon... not the biggest in plants but want some in there (probly why I dont know much about plants except how to spell it). If I do get the itch for a garden then im sure i will try to get at your guys level

Thanks for all your info guys
For now Im just going to try with adding 2 30" fixtures and going to get the 6700 bulbs