SamH

LOL I know someone who would LOVE to see that :sml1:

That's when a substrate like aquabasis becomes even more important. Try and look at it like this, you're driving a standard road car with a moderately powerful engine. When you upgrade the engine (lights) you need better fuel (CO2 and ferts) and tyres (substrate) in order for the car to function well. If you leave any one of these components out, your system will fail resulting in poor plant growth and/or algae.

If it's 60L or under you could probably get away with a sodastream CO2 unit on this sized tank, anything larger and it's better to fork out for a full sized cylinder. You'd need a sodastream cylinder, adaptor, CO2 regulator with solenoid, tubing, diffuser etc so you're looking at around $160-$190 to get all of that sorted.

I reckon if you get a decent layer under the front substrate (aquabasis works for me) and a slightly more powerful light (Philips 20W if it fits) then you'll be able to grow hairgrass.

You mean season 5.5? I bet the ending will be PHENOMENAL!

This. Vince Gilligan is a genius and the cast is perfect, the show's been superb since S01E01. It's a shame it's almost over but one day I hope I get amnesia so I can watch it all again. Personally I enjoy most nature and science documentaries, Planet Earth and most things BBC. Now THAT is quality TV. Could not agree more! Those nights where all that's on TV is that crap kills me, so glad I have a bank of movies to draw on.

Some photos would be helpful here.

What about 'then' and 'than' :nilly:

...and that was the last time Henward's wife ever saw him.

For me, crypts have been fairly hit or miss. In some tanks they flourish, in others they fail. It's worth a shot though, your tank sounds ideal for them. Here's the articles I was talking about earlier. Aquatic Layout Guide- Rules of Composition 7 principles Elements of Aquascaping Note: it's a shame I have to link off site for this content but I just haven't gotten around to writing my own articles just yet.

I'll post some links to aquascaping articles tonight when I get home but a Google search of "the golden ratio" and "creating perspective in aquascaping" should yield some good articles. The main thing is choosing suitably sized and shaped rocks for your scape, most people choose rocks which are too small and/or too boring. It's not doing too badly, I'll add pics this evening perhaps

My preferred method is starting on paper with layout sketches and equipment lists. As far as setting the actual tank up goes, start with substrate and hardscape and make sure these are absolutely PERFECT before you even think about planting. Also, ask as many questions and research as much as you can. I'm glad I've been of inspiration to you 8)

I think that high tech, while more expensive and challenging, is worth the reward. Your biggest expense would be CO2 and biggest challenge would be hardscape but I'm more than happy to guide you through both of these

If I remember correctly, aragonite sand is going to raise your pH. Use play sand or similar, this is fine for growing most plants. First you need to decide what you want your tank to look like, pictures from the internet are good. Then decide if you want to go the high tech route, CO2, strong lights, ferts, or low tech, moderate lighting and few additional ferts. With your current setup, you'd be restricted to moss, java fern, Anubias and similar slow growing plants. And in regards to the filter, ditch the carbon for a mechanical media such as sponge or filter wool.

What type of light is apparently broken beyond repair?

How exactly is it broken? Describe the size and location of the break. Perhaps one of the LFS could put you on to their tank makers who could completely replace the bottom.

It's not worth the time, hassle, cost and risk. Have you contacted your LFS to see what tanks they have for sale? Organism or Redwoods?

No doubt about it, I can't remember the last time my tanks looked this good!

Perhaps the same reason we have been blessed with the iPad 2 and iPad mini? Sure their predecessors worked well but new things make money.

And she enjoyed it too! I left her to it and she was enjoying herself for ages :-?

It depends what you're after. Getting a standard glass tank and buying the accessories yourself will always be cheaper than an all in one unit. What do you want?

No not really, the large is only 45x25x25 if my memory serves me correctly. Aim for something at least 60cm long, I'm moving my 20 minnows from a 60x30 into a 120x40 because I feel they don't have enough room.

When your girlfriend cleans your tanks for you

:gopo: