Good co2 system?

[micaiah12]

I have a planted tank, but I need some opinion on what would be a good co2 system? I have a 30 gal tank and I have about 8 plants in my aquarium. My budget is around $80 for a co2 system. So any opinion helps.
Thanks everyone.

 

[mfdrookie516]

If you double your budget, you can get a good setup. If you were to be able to find a paintball setup, or even a canister setup, you'd end up re-fillling it so much, you'd regret not getting a 2.5lb or 5lb setup.

 

[micaiah12]

Ok great, also for a 29 gal I would need 30 watts of light right?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Well, that depends. The type of lighting is a big factor. T8, T5NO, T5HO, CFL, PC... Realistically, if you're only putting 30 watts of any kind of light (but I would guess you're looking at two 15w T8 bulbs, since that's the only way I can think of to get 30 watts), you wouldn't need co2 injection.

 

[micaiah12]

Alright well right now I only have a 15watt florescent and my Brazilian water-weed is growing really good, just it's my other plants such as amazon sword and my java fern that looks kind of pale.

 

[mfdrookie516]

brazilian water weed... as in anacharis? Amazon swords do best in higher light, but with root tabs under them, they should be ok under your lighting. I kept them way back under low light. Java ferns do fine under low lighting. I don't think co2 is necessary at all in your tank.

 

[micaiah12]

All right thanks a lot.