[40 gallon planted aquarium advice!!]

Hi everyone I’m starting to piece together my 40 gallon planted aquarium. I was wondering what light I should get for the aquarium, and also was wondering if I could plant into only aquarium gravel or do I need other substrate? I wanted to put some driftwood with some Java fern on it and some Amazon swords. But again I wasn’t sure about lighting and substrate. Any and all recommendations/advice is welcomed! Thank yall!

[Lid for 40 gal breeder]

3 minutes ago, quirkylemon103 said:

why do you not want to make your own?

you make a good lid with this https://www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-Common-24-in-x-48-in-Actual-23-75-in-x-47-75-in-7-85-sq-ft-Louvered-Ceiling-Light-Panels/3280904 and this 

1/8" Clear Netting - Bulk Reef Supply

WWW.BULKREEFSUPPLY.COM

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Why does BRS recommend this? Every tank we set up at BRS we make a screen net top for.  They will save you a ton of money down the line after you have a few fish jump out of your tank, and you find them on the floor. ...

 

I don’t want to make my own just because I like the traditional lid and cover that my 20 gallon has as well, it helps keep my cat from getting feisty and falling in lol

[Lid for 40 gal breeder]

Hello all! I didn’t want to cut up anything to make my own lid and cover for my tank but I was wondering if anyone out there can point me into a direction to where I can find a lid and cover for my 40 gallon breeder that won’t leave a big hole for me to have to cover up still. Any and all recommendations are appreciated!! BTW it’s a 40 gallon breeder if you didn’t see it in the title

[40 gallon beeder]

Another question! Can I live with just a medium sponge filter? Or should I get more than one if I’m not using a HOB filter?

[40 gallon breeder]

Was wondering if I had to get a HOB filter or could I sponge filters only? I planned of stocking the tank with real plants and maybe some driftwood? Let me know what works best for your tank! Any and all recommendations are helpful!