Virtual 1ft Cube Set-Up (I'm such a hopeless geek)

[oni_XL]

Hi all,
I'ma long-time lurker and new to this hobby. I had a few false starts confusing keeping fish tank vs. planted tank, imperfect tanks etc. But now I have sorta mapped out my basic equipment for my 1ft aqua-heaven set-up.





Being a City Planner by profession, I spend too much time planning and thinking about what to do/ get before actually executing any decisions. So the same with my new hobby, aquascaping. I truly enjoy planning and imagining and browsing other's achievements while pondering my own aquascape/ set-up. So far, I have overcome many hurdles in decision making and decided on size of tank, and some other basic support equipments. All of this, and I still have yet to come to a decision as to what kind of scape I wll do... (Iwagumi, zen/ heavy plants/ rock vs. wood)
Aesthetic appearance of the equipment is very important to me, as I would like to display the tank in my smallish living room.


A quick inventory:
1. Tank: ADA 30-C (Yes)
2. CO2 System: ADA Advance Set (Yes)
3. Mini Lily In/Out-Flow Pipes (Yes)
4. Filter: Eheim Ecco (No, still looking for a more compact canister)
5. Tank Stand: Crate & Barrell Era Pedestal Stand (No, will it get this weekend)
6. Lighting Stand (No, planning a DIY 1/2" Bended-Rod, will visit Home Depot afterwork today)
7. Lights (No, I'm most clueless about this, any suggestions?)
8. Clips for Lighting Stand: ADA Clips (Yes, just ordered from ADG)

I really like the Solar Arm by ADA, but it's kinda pricey and won't work with the 30-C, that's why I will just get a simple rod and bend it a few times to make it work, I ordered the ADA clips hoping that it would fit the Crate & Barrell Era pedestal legs and the rod. My biggest worry is still the lights, so far from browsing the forum and various online aquashops, I still don't see the one that might fit the 1ft tank (most are too large), any help or suggestions on this welcomed!


Anyway, that's all for now, I really still have a ways to go before my tank even sees a drop of water or soil. Can't wait!

Thanks for reading