I've recently bought myself a second hand 36" tank that I am upgrading before I transfer my current (24") community tank into it. It's a lovely tank / cabinet, with wooden veneer etc that I'm hoping will look stunning when finished. There are some pictures of the tank below.
I need to install a completely new lighting system into it as the existing system it had when I bought it looked old and dangerous. I've been reading up a lot in both this and the planted sections, but my research has got to the stage where I need to ask some questions!
What lighting systems should I put in? I've decided I'm going to splash out on an electronic ballast (no idea which one), but I don't know whether to go for T5 or T8 tubes, and I have no idea about end connectors / housing units etc. The previous tank owner had 1x30" and managed to squeeze in 1x36" tube also - I guess it would depend what power caps were on the end whether ? I would like 2 tubes though as I'm after some lush plant growth.
I've also been looking at CO2 systems. I've decided I'm not going pressurised, and like the look of the Hagen Nutrafin, but I can't decide whether to go for the Spiro 3000 or Rhinox diffuser - I've seen people saying things good and bad about both on here.
Filter-wise, I'm leaning towards a Tetratec EX700, and haven't really paid too much thought towards a heater yet.
Any suggestions will be most welcome!
I need to install a completely new lighting system into it as the existing system it had when I bought it looked old and dangerous. I've been reading up a lot in both this and the planted sections, but my research has got to the stage where I need to ask some questions!
What lighting systems should I put in? I've decided I'm going to splash out on an electronic ballast (no idea which one), but I don't know whether to go for T5 or T8 tubes, and I have no idea about end connectors / housing units etc. The previous tank owner had 1x30" and managed to squeeze in 1x36" tube also - I guess it would depend what power caps were on the end whether ? I would like 2 tubes though as I'm after some lush plant growth.
I've also been looking at CO2 systems. I've decided I'm not going pressurised, and like the look of the Hagen Nutrafin, but I can't decide whether to go for the Spiro 3000 or Rhinox diffuser - I've seen people saying things good and bad about both on here.
Filter-wise, I'm leaning towards a Tetratec EX700, and haven't really paid too much thought towards a heater yet.
Any suggestions will be most welcome!
Is that duct tape? I hope that isn't what is holding that top together... or anything else for that matter! 
