sleepy.nadia

Hello,

I have a 30 gallon tank (36") that currently has no co2 setup. I would like to buy a better light for it. I know someone selling used coralife aqualight fixtures that are a year old. 24" 65W for $35 and 20" 28W for $25 including shipping. I can also buy a two bulb t5HO fixture off eBay with brand new bulbs for $50 that is 36" long and 78W. I currently only have anubias and aponogeton but would like to get more colorful stem plants if it works out. Does anyone have any advice? I really don't know enough about light fixtures to determine the actual value of these lights.

I guess my main questions are:
1) Does the brand matter? The eBay sell is a no-brand knockoff as far as I can tell.
2) At what point would I have to inject co2 (and if I do would a DIY yeast setup be fine)?
3) If this person's bulbs are a year old, wouldn't they burn out soon and I would have to invest a bit more money into buying new ones?

Thanks!
Nadia

Newt

Go with the T5HO unit. The CF/PC bulbs by Coralife are very poor in proper light for plants. They have too much green. The Giesemann Midday and Aquaflora combo are great.

Better off with pressurized CO2. More $$$ up front but no messy mixing and running out.