20 gallon L

[robinnight]

I am looking at these different lights. The tank is 30x12x12.

The Catalina lights are the 30" 2x24W or the 4x24W which are both T-5's.
Would the 96W total be to much or would that be what I would need. I really don't want lots of restraints on what type of plant I grow.

Catalina Aquarium
Catalina Aquarium

I was also looking at the 2x65W. Would this one be better suited for more total WPG without paying over $200 for a light fixture?

Catalina Aquarium SOLAR HOOD POWER COMPACT-2 X 65W

 

[VaughnH]

More light = BAD!

The 2 x 24 watt T5 fixture will let you grow anything you want to grow, providing you also use pressurized CO2. Use the money you save buying the smaller light fixture to help you purchace a good CO2 system.

 

[robinnight]

Gotcha! Bad lights!!! Anyone want to advise on a good CO2 system?

 

[VaughnH]

If you enjoy making things yourself, look at ebay for good used regulators, preferably two stage regulators. Then, buy a quality needle valve, such as the Fabco NV55 ($27 with shipping included), and a Clippard solenoid valve ($30 plus shipping), and you can assemble it yourself for no more than the cost of a Milwaukee regulator assembly, but you will have a much better assembly.

 

[Panda]

Gotcha! Bad lights!!! Anyone want to advise on a good CO2 system?

how about this one:

Ultimate CO2 Regulator | Green Leaf Aquariums

 

[shoggoth43]

SuMo CO2 Regulators for Planted and Reef Aquariums - Home

Not cheap, but what I've gotten from them so far has been top notch.

I'm still trying to find a decent price on tanks and a CO2 source. I've got some lined up, but I'm being a cheap bastard so I'm still shopping around.