tank lighting

[orangepunkins]

I have a 55 gal tank which I have a 2 bulb shop light of t8's. Right now the light sits on top of the glass tops. What my questions are:
1. I would like to hang the lighting, how far from the top of the tank do I hand them. (I have to keep the glass tops on them because I have hatchets and they LOVE to jump out)
2. Since I only have the 2 bulb t8's is this enough to be considered a low light tank. ( I have Java fern and few of Cryptocoryne, Wendtii, Red) I would like to have some swords and maybe some Anubias, Ambulia, Bacopa australis. And some others. ( I use liquid fert and root tabs).
3. I do not have co2 maybe at a later time I could do it, just not right now.

I'm going to re-do the whole tank because it has to be moved so I will be going to a sand substrate soon. I need advice on my lighting issues. I do not understand lighting lingo so please be a simple answered as possible. Thank You

 

[elephantnose]

Yes your tank will support low light plants. My tank is a 55g like yours I have a 48" t8 and a 24" t8 that I had extra so I put it on. Since I have a glass lid as well it fit. I use excel, excel flourish and I use root tabs. The current plants in my tank are:
Java fern
Cabomba (not a low light plant but I got it for free. Crazy enough I notice daily growth even under my lighting)
Melon swords
Amazon swords
Wisteria
Anubias
Val
Another plant that I can't remember the name of
All of the plants in my tank are growing great and look healthy. Any of these plants could go in your tank. I wouldn't recommend the cabomba. I'm still planting my tank and I will be adding more plants soon. I'll post a pic soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[elephantnose]

........... http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums...E-659C-4601-B953-C0383F7EF1C9_zpsukx8h6vn.jpg http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums...9-948E-45CC-ADB2-B717B2F31149_zpsutntanpo.jpg