lighs and filer

Question
I just bought a 45 gal. What would you recommend for filter system and lighting? I would like some live plants. Would you recommend undergravel? I would like to use sand for base.Thanks for your help.

                                   Dan  

Answer
I would not recommend an undergravel filter for the sand...that would be sort of pointless all the sand would fill up the filter and there would be no room for waste. I would recommend a filter that hangs over the edge of the tank something like the 'Whisper' brand. If you are planning on any fish the sand would be a huge problem for any algae eaters.  As for lighting you can use a normal tank hood though try to find one with a flourescent style light.