Supplementation of CO2 is not necessary for -survival-, but you will notice increased growth in low-growing foreground plants like micro sword and dwarf hairgrass, mosses (other than java moss and close relatives) and more proper and balanced growth in other high light plants which require a lot of nutrients to show full color (I'm especially fond of bright red and pink varieties).

It's a lot less intimidating than I had thought it would be, as well. The only drawback is a diffuser will occupy more space in the aquarium. There are many different types though. The ladder I got works well but is (at the moment) an eyesore. Ideally a nice glass diffuser is hard to beat. Being glass, relatively small, and available in a variety of shapes they're barely noticeable.

In any aquarium CO2 already exists as fish give it off and some is transferred in with oxygen in atmospheric transfer. The supplementation just gives a more optimal supply directly to the plants, and if done right is completely harmless to the fish, as the plants will produce a steady supply of oxygen themselves especially if receiving good light.

I haven't used CO2 in our tank, and the plants are doing just fne. They grow very rapidly and require pruning every fortnight or so. I do beleive CO2 does work wonders though, I just haven't bothered yet.

I think in that situation your'e better off with more quantity than quality. As long as these 'gro' bulbs are supply something in the 6700k range you're better off sticking with them.

I think in your situation quantity will serve you better than quality. Stick with what you have. :) Before your first reply I just had no idea what the quantity was, so I was just giving a basic requirement list when I wrote 2+wpg. =P 30w in a 10gal is just spiffy, unless its a black light or something which its obviously not. lol