Stuartk

Would it be possible to cut a section from the rear of the "tree." I am i the same mind as living art on this, a great design no question. What you must have is good movement of water around and through the heater. Otherwise you may regret your marvelous creation, and I would not like that a all. It would also be beneficial to have an adequate overspill from the top of the tree. Perhaps this would facilitate water movement and distribution of the newly heated water. Please consider the vent into the heater at the base of the tree should always be kept clear of waste, plant leaves and fish as a suction could be created that could slowly restrict the flow. Should you not have good water flow over the heater the reasons have already been advised. I wish you well and I am sure you will come up with a great solution cre8 units like this and we will be forming a que at your door great stuff :sage:

T5 lighting is an excellent choice for your size and depth of aquarium. Light through fluids' has differing characteristics to light through atmosphere. This is dependent on the density of the fluid . For example saltwater to freshwater. Here the important rating is Kelvin, Kelvin is the colour range of the T5 . Kelvin can be described as Moon light, sunlight, daylight, full sun etc etc.-You local aquarist should be able to show you the kelvin ratings on the T5 packaging. Unfortunately T5 are not your standard fluo's so the watts to litre rate will mislead you. Anyone purchasing anything other than standard fluo's should not use the rule( it was always contentious in the amounts anyway) lux is basically the given amount of light hitting a surface from a given distance, say a desk in an office from a given fluorescent above. This would result in a reading to give an indication through mathematic calculation for the candela required to maintain a given lux intensity. Hence the size and wattage of light required dependent on its characteristics and other considerations. I my cichlid tanks they are supplied with one "natural light Fluo" only, keeps down the algae in plant less units. I am interested to know how lux is being used to determine tank lighting through aquarium water. Are the readings out of tank and then converted mathematically. So dependent on your requirement their are T5's to suit your need. Dual T5's are usually comfortably efficient for your size of tank. The good thing about T5 units are you can determine the color of lighting you require. Again talk to a trusted aquarium supplier, Do not forget the lifetime of a T5 before choosing it is between 1yr and 18 months for all types. Some aquarist change them out at 9 months. Reef keepers may be in this habit. Persons may disagree with my message, I started over 40-years ago and have seen many solutions, theories and pretentious know it alls. I know I was one. All I can say is this is how I now know it and I hope it helps. Please feel free to disagree I am always learning. Remember the fish have,nt read the books, :sage:

OOps sorry forgot to mention 50 Hertz at 240v different light output to 60HZ at 110v yes, but not enough to worry about or that you would notice. :sage: Kelvin rating also, this is also and indication of spectral colour and intensity. This is usually more readily available. Use this with the PAR, PUR and you are then well clued up. By the way not always is price the issue over quality, but research and get the best you can afford. Make haste slowly and if you have to wait them wait. Research and know your tech gear and how it functions within your reef system :sage:

50 Hertz is the frequency/cycle at which the generating grid supplies your electricity at. Concerning lighting the only true accurate way of knowing the all important colour spectrum you LED's are displaying is to find out from the suppliers two ratings 1 PAR rating Photosynthetic Active Range 2 PUR rating the more important rating but cannot be fully understood without the PAR rating. Photosynthetic Usable Range This can get quite complex,basically the predominant spectrum colors should be in the blue range. Reds are somewhat of a debating point, red can slow down the growth of some corals and also is very quickly lost when striking water. Pointless in my humble opinion of having red led's in a marine aquarium, a waste of money. Colors such as yellow and green are best used in Disco's not in aquariums, they encourage cynobacter and green algae; not shall we say best liked by aquarists. To be truthful working out your lighting by watts per litre is not accurate at all and should be subscribed to history when all lighting was the same or similar in type. Questions to be asked standard led ? HO high output led? VHO very high output led? The main issue with led units is the control unit quality. They are now in demand and rightly so and the quality is ever increasing. making reasonable savings on the old mainstream Halides. The halides served us well but they are no longer the best option. LEDs use less power to light ratio LEDs last way beyond the life span of a Halide LEDs offer less heat LEDs spectrum range can be calibrated Should you want to research and re assure yourself on this much debated subject I would like to suggest you go online. My humble opinion any serious aquarist should research lighting as one of the key issues in maintaining a healthy reef tank. One component, but if you get it wrong not only will your reef inhabitants suffer but so will you, visually and in the pocket. Sorry to ramble on I am reacting to the words " will it affect" and set off. Hope I helped a little bit

Neodymium magnets, have iron in there make up. Mix iron and air and you will get rust These rare earth magnets are available in different shapes and sizes. They also differ in "strength" they are very powerful size for size so be careful I would suggest ensuring they are fully coated in an inert substance and ensure completely watertight/airtight Dependent on the size and bouyancy of the object to be weighted, would depend on the quantity and and "strength" of magnets to use. These magnetic flux density "strength" you would be considering would be in the 40 to 60 range The 60's are extremely powerful and great care must be taken when handling these beauties, when I say powerful I am talking a 1cm cube. DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH THEM OR GET ANYWHERE NEAR THEM DO NOT PLACE NEAR ELECTRONIC CONTROLLERS, Like heaters, marine controllers etc etc. Should you place one near any motorized aquarium pumps the may effect them adversely or even stop them in some cases. Caution would be the operative word here, I have used them for other purposes in my experiments so I am speaking from experience of handling them. Hope this helps in some small way

Hi Guys the trip was only as good as the people on the day. Thanks to all really enjoyable and a lot of fun. Some good bargains on the day, and some tears at the fish we had to leave behind. Onwards and upwards maybe I can arrange a one day trip to Rotorua and Hamilton next. Thanks Matt for ahem volunteering to do the expose on the trip.... I will email some pics......I am open to bribes....! posting.php?mode=reply&f=17&t=48404#

Hi Sorry I am not able to come along, sounds like a good night as well. posting.php?mode=reply&f=17&t=48273#

That reminds me I must get my uniform cleaned and paint the cat black again :lol:

All aboard the skylark The skylark will be leaving 9.15am Stuart the driver will be asleep for the first hour, the only difference is the quietness, driving skills not affected. THREE SEATS ONLY NOW

Open to everyone, the more the merrier. For those interested in purchasing live product we will have room for a poly box. I will finalise the details directly to the persons register. I will not be attending the next meeting on the 18th at Carrine. I will consider picking people up if they live on the flight plan oops road to Auckland. I will be picking the vehicle up from Hewletts road

Premier Seated 12 seater with air/con etc. Everyone welcome. SEATS AVAILABLE, Visiting Hollywood Fish Farms, Bird Barn and one other destination. Price per seat $28 including fuel. Food stops and an enjoyable day forecast. Food not in price. Contact Stuart for further details or to make bookings. Mobile 0220429100 or Hm 07 5435347 email [email protected]

May I say that I was stimulated by your response, to facilitate my article. I understand the sentiments regarding other animalia, I meant fish and reptiles only. There maybe other more knowledgeable federations for other animals. I am not sure how the proposed "new regulations" would be monitored. Possibly a company has to have in their employ a recognised person or persons that are specifically employed to monitor the animal welfare of the employer. Questions are then raised of audits, competence to practice, non compliance, fines and finances. Builders , gas and electric have legislated codes of compliance, this would be a huge ask for such a small federation. My suggesting is more recognition for the care and competence of fish and reptiles. This in its self may assist in the promotion of well being for other animalia and could also be a recognised element in an award system. I do not think the FNZAS should be recognised as a regulatory body, the FNZAS core values stimulate competence and knowledge for all aquarists of all types and ages. The persons affiliated to the FNZAS are the federation, although I do understand the passion of many FNZAS members with regard to animal welfare. Positive reinforcement via awards stimulates higher standards on its own, but only for those that take on the ideology. People or employers that demonstrate a lack of reasonable care for animals could possibly demonstrate a lack of interest, although to invite them to take part in the awards makes a statement and it is then in-there interest to be recognised.

What about FNZAS accredited aquarist shops and pet stores. Annually at the end of the year awards could be made to acknowledge service etc. Standards of entry and accreditation could be worked out by the FNZAS executive or nominated body with this sort of experience. This would raise the profile of the FNZAS and build good strong relationships with suppliers and industry patrons. There could also be a coordinator for all ideas, suggestions and submissions then through the executive they could be actioned and monitored for effectiveness. Does the forum agree to consider setting up a new heading asking for ideas into this, if yes can some one do it . I don't know how to yet! So Tyrannosaurus took action and look what has happened, we didn't all agree and we all had our opinions and an outlet to view them Good on ya Tyran the outcome is very positive

Now we are talking this is good stuff.............!

The item has gone from Trade Me I think.............when good people fail to act the person may go on in ignorance......it is better to have thoughts of a positive outcome than negative............they could have thanked you.......maybe set the tank up again........maybe joined the local fish club.......... become a forum user............ became active in the club......become your friend and so on ad infinitum. Best practice, synergies, balanced scorecard , symbiotic........all good, without actions they are just procrastination's and excuses........be the best you can and take up the challenge be positive in your world and I guarantee you will make a difference........for yourself and those around you.......shrug off the comfort zone and be positive in your life ..........I dare you!