Cost of 40B vs. Cost of 20L

[amberoze]

Originally Posted by OVT

As many said before me, the cost of 40B over 20L would be marginal at best. Personally, every time I try to save $10 I lose $100.

Can you build and run a gorgeous tank without co2? Absolutely.
Will you be able to grow all the pants you might want to without co2? No.

Can you grow half-decent HC without co2? Crypts? Absolutely. Big deal ...
But let's see some pictures of Rotala roundifolia that shows any color but green. Or R. macrandra. co2 is a tool for specific jobs. Don't knock it or other members until you've tried it.

I have tried it, and can live without it's hassle and expense. Others, might find it a necessity for what they want to do, that's entirely up to each individual hobbyist. Yours are very valid points. Co2 is most definitely a specified tool.

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[talontsiawd]

Originally Posted by OVT

As many said before me, the cost of 40B over 20L would be marginal at best. Personally, every time I try to save $10 I lose $100.

That is the truth. That may be the case with many hobbies but it's especially true in this one. If I added up all the times I cheaped out only to buy twice, or three times, I could have easily purchased the setup of my dreams, which I cannot afford right now of course.

[kevmo911]

On a 20L, try:

Substrate - SafeTsorb, $10 shipped for 40lb
http://www.drillspot.com/products/14...bsorbant_40_lb
Lighting - Brooder lamps (worklights), $8/ea., Lowes or HD
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
Stand - metal prefab work shelving, something like this ($60), plus plywood
http://www.lowes.com/pd_64014-80752-...g|1&facetInfo=

A 40B would require more heavy duty shelving and a couple extra lamps. And maybe another bag of OilDri. And more filtration, and probably an extra powerhead.