Equipping My 2x 28 Gallon Aquariums

[ir0n_ma1den]

Hi everybody,

today i went to the annual boyscout flea market located in Northern Virginia. I found these two awesome 28 gallon aquariums with a stand for a total of $30. They came with some REALLY crappy old lighting that I will definitely need to replace ( my moms not going to be happy about that). I have not checked them to make sure that they can hold water, but im going to reinforce the bonds anyway with a layer of silicone. I won't be starting these aquariums immediately until we get our basement finished, but I really want to get a list together of the equipment I will need. I need your help in this as I do not know what to get. I want it to be as low-cost as possible. I was thinking of this lighting
but if you can find anything cheaper that would be great. I want 2.5W per gallon so i think this would do it. for co2 ill probably do the nutrafin kit.

Thats about all i have put together right now.

thanks

 

[ir0n_ma1den]

for co2 ill get the red sea kit, and for lighting i'm leaning towards the coralife fixture ( how much wattage is the 30 inch one???). thank for output goalcres!
I also need a filter. I'm all for the canister filter, but i don't know which one. remember, im on a budget. I was thinking of the rena xp1.
I still need to find a heater, and substrate.

for substrate I don't want to get eco-complete even though it is awesome because its too expensive. Any suggestions??


thanks

 

[nry]

EcoComplete seems expensive, but if you cost it against enough plant substrate and then the sand/gravel to go on top, there is often little difference in price.