New Aquascape Project!!!

[zoothefreak]

Hey everyone I need some noobie help in trying to set up my first major aquascape on a big tank. Finally got myself some space for it so finally moving away from nano tanks for now...

Here is the spec of the tank I have in mind:

5ft(H) X 2ft(W) X 2.75(H)


Flora:
Really easy plants which require virtually no CO2 injection e.g. Java Fern, Java Moss, Nanas... (need help to identify more plants that fall within this category of hardcore cannot kill plants)

Fauna:
Cardinal tetras, Discus, German Rams, bee shrimps, ottos, nerite snails...


So question is... What would be the most economical yet functional lighting system be for my tank? I dont really know how to calculate the wattage required for this tank size since I've always overpowered the lights on my nanos and never faced this problem before?

Will say 4 X T5 (55 Watts) do the trick? I dont really wanna face melting or yellowing plants due to not enough lighting...

Any help will be much appreciated...

Thanks a billion

[zonkkie]

tank quite high but you choosing the low light plants should be ok... if want hc/glosso might need MH lights.

[zoothefreak]

Thanks man for the reply.

So what are the available wattages for T5? Do they go higher than 55W?
Are they available in 20,000K to help penetrate the depth of my aquarium?
How much do they cost?
Do reflectors help intensify power or just provide wider coverage?

[Peanut8787]

Such a big tank you got there. It would be better with CO2 and stem plant. It will be much nicer and presentable with those plant that require C02 rather then those mosses and fern. Just my opinion though.