With this basically being a FOWLR you can go VHO and it will provide plenty of light and still be bright enough and pleasent to view. Even in a 380 you cant just put anything you want in it and expect no problems so id try to have some since of order when buying and introducing them. You can have a great tank for you wife and kids without letting them pick just anything that looks pretty or cool. Good luck convincing them though, lol.