[APD] setting up 160 gal plant tank

[Ron Schulz <beemster at verizon_net>]

Hi all,
 I was able to purchace a second hand 160 gal tank (sat MT for over 10 
years) on the very cheap. I'd like to set it up for growing plants but 
with fish also (characins, dwarf cichlids, corys, rasbora.). It is 84 
x18 x 24 deep. It came with a predrilled corner overflow which skimmed 
water off the surface and led to a large trickle filter in the wooden 
cabinet below. The lighting system was (3) 160W 6foot VHO tubes (2 
Sylvania day lights  and 1 Sylvania natural light). They still work but 
must have been extensively used since there are dark burn marks near the 
ends. It appears though that all three bulbs must be used for the 
ballast to work. So, it's 480 W or I need a different system. It looks 
like it will cost me around $100 to replace the bulbs. So.....one 
question is .......should I stay with this VHO system and if so what 
bulbs should I get?  I plan on using CO2 since I have a 20lb tank and 
regulator.  I'd  like not to go the pH controller route (at least at 
first). So I will need a good needle valve and some kind of reactor. 
Again.......recommendations with reasons are welcome.  I'd like to stick 
with #3 quartz gravel which I can get very cheaply thru a US Quartz 
distributer locally. I was thinking perhaps 350 lbs.or so. Also, I was 
considering a thin pure laterite underlayer (3 55oz boxes). Is this 
worth the approx $40 expense? My understanding is that a trickle filter 
may not be appropriate with CO2. Also, the return pump on the filter  is 
very large and power hungry. So, I'd like to use a large canister filter 
anyway for economic reasons.  Finally, what are the chances I can avoid  
huge initial algae blooms with all that light?  What is the best way to 
go about it? .I've been really psyched since my first real success with 
a beautiful red rubin sword in a 20 gal long tank with a 55W compact 
fluorescent.  Previosly, I had always stayed in th 1-1.5W/gal regime  
with crypts, anubias, java ferns and moss. So, this is a whole new 
ballgame for me and I'd like to avoid any expensive mistakes I can. All 
comments and recomendations welcome.
...........................................thanks...................Ron 
Schulz   .
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