BrendanNSANZ

There is a multitude of reading material at your disposal via the web and this forum as per the comment from Cricketman. It all really depends on what you're trying to achieve and your budget. A good starting point for your questions on lighting: http://www.barrreport.com/forum.php http://www.barrreport.com/forumdisplay.php/67-Are-you-new-to-aquatic-plants-Start-here When you think you've read enough, read some more. Another couple I found useful: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/index.htm Good place for cheap bulbs, research and then decide what you want/need or is affordable: http://www.thelightbulbman.co.nz/ Enjoy. Regards Brendan

Cheers Zuri

Flourite Dark Flourite Black Flourite Black Sand

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I understand what you're all saying and the SF is below the 'recommended figure but at the end of the day the tank is in it's own room where only my wife & I go therefore I deem the SF to be satisfactory. If it were in a living area where the kids are then that would be a different story. I've put a piece of the wood back into the left hand corner standing up, tied java moss to the top, anubias to the middle and java fern to the base. Will post a couple of pic's once it's developed a little.

Has 2 x 125mm braces & 1 x 150mm brace at top, has additional bracing at the bottom. It's not in a lounge, it's in a closed off area so no risk of someone bumping into it.

Length 1220 Width 500 Height 610 Thickness 7.5 There were a few reasons for removing the wood: 1. Volume, too much wood. 2. Algae, BBA started growing on patches of the wood. 3. Dead spots 4. Too many plants, the lotus wont stop reproducing.. there are about a dozen baby Tiger Lotus in this tank :facepalm: Agreed that it doesn't look as good without the wood and I need to tidy this tank up a bit. Smaller wood FTW :thup:

Update on tank, have removed the wood as too much algae grew on it. Next project

Joe, thank you very much for the information. I wasn't expecting such a thorough response. Much appreciated.

I currently use T5HO Arcadia bulbs from the LFS but obviously these are pretty expensive. 1. Are there cheaper alternatives to achieve the same result or is it simply a case of you get what you pay for, if there are cheaper alternatives, what are the brands and whom stocks them? 2. What are the best shops in NZ and overseas for buying bulbs? Thank you for your time.

You could have a go at just making your own bubble counter? I used: Spice Jar Air Tube Dropper vial Rubber for seals Just bore a couple of holes (I used a reamer) in the jar lid but quite small so you have to really squeeze the air tube in. Insert the tubes into the lid, insert one tube into the dropper vial, fill with almond oil. Done. Hasn't missed a beat. Oregano counter :thup:

Cheers, mine has changed around plenty of times, part of the fun P.S the wood is two pieces of mango wood sitting on top of one another, is being held together by the java moss

That's a Tiger Lotus. Produces leaf.. after leaf.. and just when you think it's had enough.. keeps going

Have had CO2 going for about two months now, am really happy with the results. Will post progress pic's periodically. Let me know what you think, I know it's a bit ugly with the hardware at the back of the tank. In the tank: Zebra Danios Glow Danios Giant Danios Gold Barbs Flying Foxes 1 x Male Paradise Fish

The tank is L=1220 W=600 H=700 The swords are small at this stage, I thought of something overnight and have placed some plastic garden cloches over the top of each plant. It's just temporary to allow the plant to sprout some new growth without being mollested. When I say they nibble at the new growth I mean every single bit of new growth is bitten off at the tip.

Hi, I'm wanting to cordon off a section of my tank because someone keeps nibbling off the new growth on my swords. I've not caught them in the act but suspect its the barbs. I tried using sheets of glass but of course the fish explore every nook and cranny to get into the space you have blocked. Any recommendations on what to use as the glass sheets tended to leave little gaps. Fish: Danios Gold Barbs Paradise Fish Roseys

You want to give him a call then and tell him to respond? :sml1:

Good to know, thanks for the responses. Will give it a couple more day's and if no response then I'll request a refund and go somewhere else.

Was wondering if any had dealt with this company before? http://www.thefishtank.co.nz/ Have placed an order but am not getting a response to email nor when I leave a message by phone. Anyone know this guy? Cheers.

Thinking about making a DIY Canister Filter. Would this be appropriate? http://www.brewyourownliquor.co.nz/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Brew_Barrel_4b9ec4545ee24.jpg What power pump for a 400L tank, any recommendations on brand?