I've got everything kicking around to start up a planted tank again except a tank and lights. I've got CO2, substrate, nitrate, yadda yadda.

What I'm wondering is for a 45g (36Lx12Wx24H) will a dual bulb tek light be enough? I work at an LFS and the tek light retrofits work out quite cheap for me. Or would I need to go with 4 bulbs.

Oh and how clean can you get flourite? Can you get it actually clean or will it allways have loads of dust in it? I've only cleaned it in buckets, never used a collinder or the likes.

Hi,

As far as light goes, depends on type of tank you want. Slow growth, fast, high tech, low tech, etc.

Also depends on the wattage/temp of those dual bulbs. Are you going to dose fertilizers other than c02? You will most likely want to with c02.......

Can you give the light type watts, etc? We can then help more....

The flourite rinses very well. I just redid my tank with black flourite and each bag rinsed very well. I used a bucket and within 3-5 rinses was very clean...

I was able to add the new rinsed flourite while the tank was running if that gives you an idea