When I had a 29 gallon tank I was amazed to find that there were no 30 inch fluorescent tubes available at all, with the exception of the LFS variety costing an arm and a leg apiece. So. I started with a three tube 24 inch T8 setup, with reflectors I made myself, trying to keep the cost down. I ended up spending at least as much as the AH Supply light kits, and that made it very easy to decide to replace the lights with the AH Supply light kits. I had twin 55 watt lights for most of the time on that tank. I had made my own hood. So, for me, the AH Supply fixtures were the cheapest way to go, and far more effective than the more expensive three tube 24" setup.