Best Lighting and Plants for a 45 gallon rainbow fish tank

[Lucas82]

After setting up my new 55 gallon with 50/50 lighting for my African Cichlids, I see how important it is to have the correct lighting. My current 45 gallon tank has a T8 24" 17 Watt bulb. Is this correct for a tank that is getting ready to have rainbow fish and live plants? Or is there a better option?

 

[Laser]

You'll be able to grow some low light plants with that light, but there are some plants you won't be able to sustain. If you don't want to get into co2 and you want more options for plants I would recommend a normal output dual t5 fixture such as this. Freshwater Aquarium Lighting » Aqueon® Freshwater T5 Light Fixture | PetSmart You can find them on Amazon under the name of coralife, they are the same lights. However, if you run these t5 lights without enough plants you will grow algae.