Recomended size for first planted tank?

We are planning to re-enforce (over build) each sections - but 3ft is most likely the best size for this setup as the tanks will be planted.

 

I finial opted to go for a 4ft but now I need to decide on the lighting. I got a 2nd hand tank with metal stand, and am planning to build a wood canopy and dress the stand with wood. Does anybody have a suggestion on the lighting? I was thinking LED strips as it will be water resistant and probably easier to install?

The Light Spot suggested a 3m strip that has 60 LED's per meter (The do not suggest normal fittings as they are not water resistant), but will this bu sufficient for a planted tank? Another option is to buy the light clips you use in reptile tanks and put in 2-3 T5 Florescent tubes - but this will not have reflectors (Maybe use a mirror or foil to reflect the light)?

 

Yeah definately get a 2ft to start, but you will find ( as i have) that standard 2ft tanks are not wide enough... feels just too cramped. if you can get a custom 2ft tank, get a wider one. Don't go too deep, or else you need really hectic lights, which will cost you big time!

If you are planning on going high tech, would really suggest that you go the pressurized co2 route. less things will go wrong, i.e. more stable co2. also if going high tech, rememeber to ferts! and then lights! But if you are going low tech, then no need for fancy stuff, basics will do, with the occasional ferts.

 

Thank @Chongkie but I already got a standard 4ft for my main tank, and we still have a 2 ft for dwarf puffers (Going planted). I was asking about light fittings for the 4ft. Is LED strips going to be sufficient or should I opt for a LED flood light or LED T5 light?
2 x 10W 220V LED Floodlight Zulteck
3 x 10W 220V LED Floodlight Zulteck

 

Hi,
I need some advice on what plants to order for a low tech plants. I received the following list from a supplier
[TABLE="width: 201"]
[TR]
[TD]Staurogyne Repens [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Nesaea Pedicellata[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ludwiga Repens[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Hemianthus Micranthemaides[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ludwigia Glandulosa[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Limnophila Aromatica[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Hydrocotyle Tripartita[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]HC -Hemianthus Callitrichoides[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Glosso- Glossostigma Elatinoides[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Rotala Colorata[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ludwigia Inclinata "Crystal" [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Rotala Macrandra "narrow leaf"[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Xmas moss[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Riccia Fluitans[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Java Moss[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Spiky Moss[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Fissidens Fontanus[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

Easy plants that will work in low tech setup from your list:
Hydrocotyle Tripartita
Xmas moss
Java Moss
Spiky Moss
Fissidens Fontanus

Plants that might work but won't grow as nice (will grow tall and thin instead of bushy):
Staurogyne Repens
Hemianthus Micranthemaides
Ludwiga Repens (Won't have the nice red color you will be looking for)
Rotala Colorata

Can also look for anubias and ferns to add to your list.

 

@epiphysis Can you suggest a lighting option?
2-3 x Florescent tubes
Or
2 x 10W 220V LED Floodlight Zulteck
Or
3 x 9W 220V LED TUBE LIGHT T5 (WITH HOLDER) Zulteck

 

I haven't had any experience with LED. But I would suspect that with those units you will go overkill on a low tech setup. You will need to think of CO2 otherwise algae will take over.

2 T5 fluorescent tubes will do on a standard 3ft.

 

On a 4ft?

 

Two or three 28W T5 or a bit higher will do. Depending on what light fitting you will get.