SamH

I think Mum only has blue, I could use sharpie or paint though. The other way round they're too long and hit the light tubes :nilly: I really want to cut them off but I broke and lost the hacksaw :oops: She was assisting by keeping my work space warm I think I'll work with what I have thanks F15hguy 8)

Lights The unmodified standard AA761 light hood. Very dirty underneath, algae and calcium deposits. Single T8 tube, 18W and probably 1.5 years old. Skylla approves of the light hood modification. Two Juwel 590mm reflectors, two T5HO Power Glo tubes and a T5HO Glo Ballast. The original plan was to put the reflectors inside the old light tube housing. Unfortunately they wouldn't fit and there wouldn't be suitable light spread so I had to change my plan. After a lot of slow work with the soldering iron, I removed the excess plastic that stopped the second light fitting into the hood. Reflectors installed. The light is blindingly bright. I did notice a slight pink/purple tinge to the lights but hopefully this isn't too noticeable when the tank is planted. All up it cost me around $250 for the light installation.

It does actually! Mum was telling me about an idea in place around the world they're looking at bringing to NZ. Due to the growing online shopping trend and the fact that most people aren't home while the courier comes around, they've invented local drop off points where you can go and collect packages you might have missed. Picked up four nuts and bolts, couldn't find any small ones so it's going to be a bit over engineered, hopefully have pics up tonight. Also, got a bunch of driftwood soaking in the bath, some choice pieces there 8)

Got a calling card from Fastway couriers today, first of many I'm guessing. I always miss my parcels :nilly:

Aren't we all? No pressure aye

Thanks Shell. No point buying something I wasn't happy with, I'd just end up buying the inline down the track anyway so might as well get it right the first time. You should really be jealous of the postal service who's delivering my heater cause it hasn't arrived yet :lol:

Thanks Lyndyloo! I haven't personally set one up before but from what I've been told and what I've read online, here's how the setup goes. Sodastream CO2 cylinder > Sodastream adaptor > CO2 regulator > Airline > Diffuser An adaptor can be bought from most home brew shops, cylinder off TradeMe, regulator off TradeMe, internationally online or at a LFS, diffuser off TradeMe or online.

:slfg: It's tempting! I've been cleaning it and staring at it, researching possible layouts and making sure I haven't forgotten anything. It's a good feeling knowing that I've got all the best equipment (even if it is all in the mail) to do the job I want to do. Not cutting any corners with this and it shows in my bank account :nilly:

Bought the final piece of equipment for the project, Sunsun HW-302 canister. Now having to wait for all my gear to arrive, drives me crazy :nilly:

I was just going to say that :lol:

I spent a good 45mins melting off excess plastic on the light hood just to find out I need four small nuts and bolts to attach the reflectors to the hood :nilly: Progress halted until I buy some nuts and bolts.

Just picked up a Hagen 2x 24w T5HO ballast, two power glo tubes, two reflectors and a digital thermometer during my free period at school from HFF Mt Roskill 8) Will post photos once the installation is done!

Your colours and growth look good, I think I'll go with two power glos then 8)

Did you let the cat out of the bag in the end?

What two tubes would you use? I want a balance between a nice crisp look and good plant growth.

I'm going to buy the lights tomorrow, can someone tell me how 1x Power Glo and 1x Life Glo would look and work on plants? Thanks!

:sml1:

Just picked up a sodastream cylinder for a cool $20 8) Waiting for my regulator and adaptor to arrive now :roll:

It's arguable whether or not water changes are needed in a fully cycled, heavily planted and correctly stocked aquarium.

Just bought a Hydor ETH 200 inline heater. Only $40 more (incl. shipping) than the Jager I was going to buy anyway. One less piece of equipment in the tank :thup:

The thermometer came off cleanly with a bit of meths and a good scrub. Took off the hood, cleaned it up and started to remove the guts to make room for the T5HO installation, will post photos once I install the new lights. Ordered a CO2 regulator with solenoid, bubble counter, CO2 tubing and lily pipes from fish-street, cost almost as much as the tank did :lol:

Thanks blueether, might give that a go tonight. Also acetone or nail polish remover is said to work.

Thanks. The glass needs cleaning but I'll do that when I get a chance, the weather has been awful lately. Does anyone know how to remove the last of that stick on thermometer?