i was where you are a couple months ago and this is what i did. seeing as it will take 4-8 weeks for your tank to cycle you will have plenty of time to save or search out used gear and sales before shrimp can even go in. to start you will need the tank, some substrate, and a filter. i spent around $30 on 40lbs of substrate and another $40 on a decent air pump, check valve, airline, and a sponge filter from amazon. i would get all of these new seeing as used substrate and filters can bring problems from the host tank and pumps have a limited life. might as well get a fresh one being so cheap anyways. you can go without a heater if you keep the room its in around 70-80F if not also get a new one. when they fail they take the whole tank with them. while the tank is cycling you can just stick some desk lamps near it to encourage biofilm and algae growth until you find a light. if you need a super cheap lid to keep out kids or pets you can get some clear greenhouse plastic and cut it to size but avoid getting a cheap hood with a built in led light. i started with one from marineland that was supposed to be decent for low light plants and it was terrible. led lighting will be the cheapest over time but you will spend a bit more up front to get something that will grow plants. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4FS6ZU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 i just got this in a week ago after i saw a review and my plants love it. the last thing you will need is a water test kit so you can monitor the cycle of you tank. all in i spent around 200 dollars for everything over a period of 2-3 months. if you cant afford that then maybe keeping a planted shrimp tank isnt ideal for you right now. like all pets they keep costing money as time goes on food, supplements, plant fertilizers, and medicines can add up quick.
I will second this. There is no mention of LEDs in her book, likely because even the most recent edition (2013) was before LEDs were an affordable option. CFL work, but LED is much more efficient and cost-effective these days. I personally have the Beamswork 6500k LED and it has worked fine. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N4FS6ZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_XFCHFbFE0M74C
This would be considered high tech. I have co2 pumping in there on a timer along with the light. Here is a link to my light: Beamworks Beamswork DA 6500K 0.50W Series LED Pent Aquarium Light Freshwater Plant Discus (60cm - 24") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4FS6ZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JCgTCb51NMJRB I also dose Excel Flourish every other day and use root tabs.
This one? https://www.amazon.com/Beamworks-Beamswork-Aquarium-Freshwater-Discus/dp/B01N4FS6ZU
Seems really good for the place where I need it. 😌
It's this light, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4FS6ZU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Fairly new, does not come in original package (box). Pick up is preferred but we can negotiate shipping if necessary.
This one: Beamworks 6500K https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4FS6ZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x2j7Cb661BCAS
Beamswork makes this 30watt 6500k 24” led that I think would work great on your tank, and it would be cheaper than 2 jungle dawns.
These Beamswork lights get recommended a lot, I'm sure the Finnex is much higher quality but these are cheap. I don't know which model would be best for you.