good 30" light fixture for about ~$60? 29g tank

[Crazed Demasoni]

I have a 29g that I'm looking to plant, but want to upgrade from the stock aqueon hood light (single tube) because the bulb is starting to burn out, or there is an issue with the ballast (not sure which, but the bulb doesn't fully light until a few minutes after turned on).

I'm looking for a 2x28w light or similar. I saw a zoo med one at petco, and have seen some other brands as well. I like the style of no hood, just the light above, but I want one that's going to last.

Suggestions?

 

[aclockworkorange]

30" is a weird size...

http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...eries-Double-Linear-Strip-Lights.html?tc=fish

That's two 18w bulbs for $50... great little light.

http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-36in-2x39W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-p/52121.htm

The super cheap option... I own their older style lights and love them, haven't tried these new style ones yet.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

The coralife is what I got on my 29 gal. Works good.

 

[Crazed Demasoni]

Does anyone know much about the zoo med light? I like the hang over tank design.

http://zoomed.com/db/products/Entry...zOjE6IjciO3M6ODoiU2VhcmNoX3kiO3M6MjoiMTIiO30=

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Its alright. But T5HO might be too much for a 29 gallon. Running one bulb will put you in the medium light range and both bulbs in the high light.

 

[Crazed Demasoni]

I'd like to get into a high light category, so does that seem like the fixture I should go for?

 

[aclockworkorange]

If you're planning on using co2... then absolutely. Otherwise you will probably get a lot of algae.

 

[Crazed Demasoni]

I may need to look into a diy CO2 then. worst case scenario, the otos have a bit of work to do

 

[FSM]

I used a nova extreme 2x24W fixture on my 29 gallon and currently used it on a 20 long. If you're looking for 30" bulbs, Coralife is the only brand I know of making that size T5HO.

 

[hydrophyte]

Look for this...

24" Hydrofarm Jumpstart

...and see if you can find it with just the strip light + lamp and not including the metal stand.