Lighting

[pcole6765]

thanks Dan 

[fischkopp]

I have another question. If I was to purchase a pendent type fixture that takes a regular 60 watt bulb, could I use that to light the aquarium and would it provide enough light for the plants instead of the florescent fixture that's on there now?

Regular light bulbs are not very suitable for a planted aquarium. As stated already, their spectrum is in the 2000/3000K and more important their light intensity (or efficiency) is not the greatest for the wattage. But, you can always use compact fluorescent bulbs in your pendant, they are available in 6500K and come with many different power levels. Those are very suitable for a low cost setup and beat any T8 fluorescent bulb.

[charlie]

Just to add to what was said already, the trick with the pendants & screw in CF is getting it as close as possible to the top of the tank, since they are not the most efficient in getting the light in the tank, as such if you suspend them high above the tank, a lot of the useable light will be lost.
My 2 cents 

[pcole6765]

the problem I'm having is every time I go to feed the fish or replant a plant that's come loose, test the water, basically every time I have to open the lid the light is in the way and I have to completely remove it from the top of the aquarium..I find this to be a huge PITA

[dan2x38]

Join the club... I have glass tops on all my planted tanks with several banks of lights laying on top. It is no big deal you get use to it... You make a hood or buy one too.