Tank Lighting for the aqueon 40 breeder

I am planning on getting the aqueon 40 breeder, and decided on the Versa Hinged glass top because it is the only thing that I can find that can fit it. I would like to do a planted tank butI cannot seem to find good lighting. Also for filters, Aquaclear 70 or Fluval pro C4?
Thanks!
Ps. I'm getting Amazon sword,Java fern, and moss balls

 

Aquaclear all the way.

 

For lighting look at Finnex, Beamswork, Nicrew. All available online

 

So here's my take, as someone who has had 40 tanks at a time and currently has 15 including 2 - 40 breeders:

A 40 gallon breeder isnt a great display tank/tank for the livingroom room because of its large footprint. Its VERY wide/deep front to back (over 18 inches) and takes up a lot of floor space. Its not super tall (a little less than 17 NOT counting substrate), so that makes it look even more awkward in my opinion. I ONLY use them as breeder tanks, not viewing tanks. Especially if you are wanting to do a planted tank, unless youre doing a custom stand for it to get it up a little higher, I just dont think they look right.

In my opinion, if you want a big tank to heavily plant thats not crazy expensive, Id go with a 55. If you dont need the size, a 30 gallon would be better, in my opinion.

Now, as far as lighting, its going to depend 100% on the plants you want to keep and the depth of the tank.

As far as filters, if you want a HOB, Aquaclear all the way.

 

I have a couple of these I really like

 

Seems nice but too pricey for me, I'm looking for 70 dollars max.

 

Lights that grow plants are expensive, and cheaper ones usually put out less PAR (photosynthetically active radiation).

Look into the Beamswork DA FSPEC.
Or if you get a Current, get at least the LED Plus.
Finnex makes good lights if you're willing to go a bit above budget.

If you can find a way to suspend it, a Chihiros A series puts out excellent PAR for the price, and is very sleek looking, inspired by the more expensive aquascaping light brands. Only downside is they are made for rimless aquariums with dimensions in centimeters not inches

 

My vote: 55g, Versa-Top lid, Beamswork LED w/ optional plug in timer, Aquaclear 70 + sponge filter.

I have Aquaclears and like them a lot. Our 75g has a Beamswork EA F-Spec w/ timer and I've had zero issues with it. I would recommend the DA series though, over the EA that I have, since you're going to have a planted tank.

are you going to make a DIY stand, or a pre-made stand?

 

If youre looking to spend $70 max on a light for a heavily planted tank, you may want to rethink your heavily planted tank idea, lol.

You could try a grow light from your local hardware store. I dont keep any "fussy" plants and its all the lighting I use on my planted tanks.

 

are you going to make a DIY stand, or a pre-made stand?

I am planning on custom, having it on a wardrobe at
worst

If youre looking to spend $70 max on a light for a heavily planted tank, you may want to rethink your heavily planted tank idea, lol.

I was just planning on some Java Fern and Amazon sword to make like a background.

 

If your not looking for high light plants, look at the Vivagrow 24/7 led light. They grow med. plants. A lot of people on here use them as well as myself. Cost around 50.00