Best lighting for live plants.

Question
Hello,

I am a beginner to having live plants in a fresh water aquarium.  As I upgraded my 10 gallon tank/fish into a 29 gallon, I decided to put 3 (to start) live plants in the tank.  The kind recommended to me was the Crypt species, so I purchased 2 different variants.  They seem to be doing well so far, but if I want to continue to plant the tank I was told that the strip light that I I have with the tank (an old florescent light) would not be enough.  

So my question (sorry for the long intro) is, what would be the best kind of light/fixture to grow live plants in the tank.  I would like to get some of the nicer looking species (some with red coloring etc) and ones like that need higher light (what I was told).  Shopping for a light is confusing as I have never done it before.  

Any feedback would be great, thank you!

-Chris

(ps I would also get some sort of additive for the plants, I am looking into Flourish, as it appears to be highly recommended.)

Answer
Hi Chris,

The person who told you that the Cryptocoryne species needs bright lighting is wrong. In fact, Crypt plants thrive in low to moderate light. Bright lighting will actually cause a phenomenon called 'Crypt Melt', where the leaves will simply dissolve! So, you don't need to get a new light, as long as the current fluorescent tube covers the entire length of the aquarium.

If you get a high output light, your plants will DIE!

In general, the bright lighting fixtures (Metal Halide, etc.) are not necessary for freshwater applications, and are meant for coral reef tanks. Freshwater tanks will do well with just a simple fluorescent light. Keeping the light on for 12 hours would be best for a low-wattage light.

Good Luck, and best wishes!