Lighting For 100 Gal Planted?

[kniesh]

Hi, at the moment I have a 4x2x2 with a sump built into the back. I've planted it very basic at the moment, but the more i see it, the more I would like to turn this into a decent planted tank. To this end i wouldn't mind a little help please?
 
Currently it has a lot of Crypts which seem to be growing well, although by all accounts these will almost always grow well. I love these plants and definitely want to keep them. Towards the back an sides I have some Vallis, these don't seem to be doing too well at all under the current lighting. I have also just planted 3 Bulbs of red Lotus to hopefully grow up the back wall, and provide some cover with their big leaves at the top of the tank, am I right in thinking these should grow large enough to do this? The tank is 2ft high. I also have some Lucky bamboo growing out the back submerged halfway into the sump, but then growing up out the water.
 
The main issue I seem to have with moving this tank on is light, at the moment I am using an old, but very powerful LED Marine light I have. I run this on about 30% an although it doesn't seem to be too bad, I doubt anything is fully thriving in there so I'd like to replace it with some cheapish, LED lights for planted aquariums. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
The plants I currently have are powerful enough for the Hardest of Corals, but would probably just destroy plants if left at full, I currently have them running on a daylight cycle over 12 hours or so but never getting beyond 30% power. it's the blue an red in them I'm worried about.
 
Any help will be much appreciated, gonna try an get some pics up now
 
Thanks, Vinny
 
This top one is when first planted, the others are how its progressed with the current lighting

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[techen]

The best lights for a planted tank I would say are T5s, you could always get a few T5 ballasts, Make a lid and throw it on. You'll get amazing growth with them but you'll have to add CO2, ferts and such due to the high output of light.
 
Cheap tropical LED's don't exist, Some might market them as "working" but they don't, Nothing really beats T5 unless you are willing to spend a good 400+ on leds. Up to yourself.

 

[kniesh]

Cheers, doubt those £400+ lED's are an option as as i spent 550 on these marine ones, then got rid of the tank Can't imagine selling that to my wife again. Might look into the T5's, thanks

 

[techen]

The T5 ballasts are cheap, Buy the bulbs and drill the lights into a wooden board, Throw over the tank and you'll be set for life.