Planted Aquriums

[fishkeeprr]

So I read online that planted aquariums can be very beneficial to fish and since I want to create the best home for my puffer I thought this would be a great way to go. I have a 30 gallon tank and once the tank is set up I will get an irrubesco puffer. One question is what kind of lighting? I have found only one site that says halgon lighting but what about flourescent? Along with how many watts per gallon? Lastly, the puffer cant really be kept with fish cleaners so what would be the best way to clean the tank with out disturbing the plants?

[RTR]

All of that is pure personal choice. Real plant nuts tend to run high light full supplement tanks, because they can handle anything they want there. But there are also many many folks (including me) who no longer ever go beyond moderate lighting (fluorescent) and little or no routine supplements. Plant nuts also tend to run "plant tanks" and quite a few may have no fish at all in the setup. I do planted fish tanks which are for the fish and good water quality for them, not for photos or competitions. There is nothing wrong with being a plant nut - I have some good friends who are such, but I am a fish-keeper.