thanks for the replies and intrest everyone.

leigh, is there an alternative to using 175w bulbs? I heard street
lamps make a very nice blackwater look however promotes alot of algae
growth.

i'm not too worried about the fish jumping. I keep many serrasalmus
species and am part of a piranha research group. I have never heard of
one jumping yet. mine have never touched the tops that I have seen or
heard unlike my Cichla temensis that break the surface once or twice a
day.

I have been experimenting with this rhom for close to 2 months now
with several species of small tropical fish. the rhom eats a few but
for the most part will only eat fish over 5" so it's diet is large
pond comets and or large chunks of raw lean steak or fish filet. the
tank is a 125g with about 12 assorted live plants.

my problem is I am a noob to aquatic plants and am looking for advice
on some good hearty plants. and any info on a diffrent bulb for the
pendant's.

thanks,
bob