I have tried a lot of simple low budget light combinations to get good results with growing aquarium plants and have come to a conclusion. Fluorescent lights are just a perfect for the job and are cheap. I would recommend going in for the reddish and bluish ones. I recommend adding a 50/50 of red and blue florescent light in your tank for good results. By doing that, you will get a purple ambiance in your aquarium. You can even add a daylight florescent tube for a brighter look and improved plant growth. The deeper the aquarium the more lights will be needed so that a significant amount of light reaches the plants.
The red light helps the plants develop roots and the blue light helps with stem and leaf growth.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of fish you got with the plants. Avoid keeping fish that will harm the plants as that will greatly affect growth.
The Convict Cichlid (Kindle Edition Ebook)
