72 gal bowfront lighting

[jrc10000]

I need a lighting solution for a 72 gallon bowfront planted tank, it is fairly deep (24")-- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. T5, T6, Power Compact? I will be running co2 from a reactor. How many watts would I need? As far as fish I was thinking four discus, cardinals, rams...
Thanks,
John

[jesx57]

As a rough estimation, you could use 3 light tubes, or maybe even two. You can usually buy the long lamps with the tubes in them and the switch. I have an Aquarworld 1 tube 90cm for my 50cm deep tank. If you live in Aus. you should be able to pick up a long one for your tank, plus some allow for 2 tubes. Haven't filled the tank with water yet, but from turning the light on it looks ok. You could add five discus to a tank that size and still have all your other proposed fish. You should get some cories or bristlenoses as a cleanup crew.

[ILLUSN]

With 2 foot of depth your only real optionds are t5's or good cfs (96w).

if you can fit a 3 foot tube across the top then 2x twin t5's will give you 154w (~2.1w/gal) or a twin 96 cf will give you 192w (~2.6w/gal).

http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=3570&catID=86

both would be sufficient for growing basic plants (swords etc).

T5's are slightly more efficient with a longer usable life (12mths vs 9 mths), but 4x39w will cost $100 annually, vs $70 every 9 mths ($94/year) for the CF's, the Cf's will also have better intensity and hence better penetration over 4x39w T5's