My substrate is 100% flourite. I love the look, and from what I've read it's good for the plants. I'm sure there are better combos of substrates, but I figured this was better than plain gravel without getting too fancy.
As for lighting, I just have the stock 18" 15w light fixture, with a 20,000k coralife fluorescent bulb that I was told would help compensate for my very low lighting. Based on what I've read I'm now thinking either the guy didn't really know what he was talking about or I was a sucker. Chalk that up to a rookie not doing his homework, I guess. I've been considering buying another light, like this one: http://store.seacorals.net/24aq28wt5dol.html
Money's an issue, so I can't go crazy with it. I don't really want to go crazy with it, for that matter. I'm not even sure what type of tank cover to use with a light like that one. One of those plain glass covers?
I change about 10-15% of the water every week and a half or so with de-chlorinated tap water. Once cycled, my water has been pretty good. I don't have exact numbers, but the only problem seems to be low ph. Around 6.0 or just a little above, according to the fish place that checked it last for me. I haven't bought any test kits myself.
Sorry for the long post. Didn't want to leave anything out
