What should I get? 40gal Tank

[Pooh]

So as of today, I got a great 40 gallon with an oak stand for $40 and it comes with all of the necessary items, filter, air pump, light fixture, and some substrate. I plan to run some plants and some fish just like my 10 gallon tank.

My question is what else would you recommend for me? I'm a noob so this will only be my second larger tank. I want to get schooling fish. What fish would you recommend and how many can I put in the tank without overcrowding?

Second question is what type of light should I get? I'm running a 15w 18inch NutriGrow but I want a brighter light for the type of plants I want in the tank. Should I get a new lighting fixture?

thanx for the help!

[underoath8711]

I've always been partial to a really nice school of Neon Tetras, in a 40 Gallon I'd say you could have a nice school of 20 in there with some room for other tank mates.

Do you have a heater?

About the light, I've always kept low light, low maintenance plants and never really had to upgrade my lighting.

Do you plan on putting some flourite or anything in with your gravel for your plants?

[Pooh]

i have to pick up a heater... and yes i am running flourite as a base then some white sand with some gravel mixed in for texture... im still soaking a couple pieces of driftwood but that might take a while...

would it be worth running a power compact lighting unit on freshwater?

[Pooh]

my main target are plants... fish come second... so i guess suggestions should be based on that :-/

[bushwhacker]

upgrade the lights, you want ~2 wpg that will grow most plants fine a few schools of small tetras of some sort and a pair of GBR for a centerpiece