Tom Gunner

A lot of people at Aquatic Plant Central swear by Sylvania growlux wide spectrum. I might give these a go.

It's true that most stock 6500k bulbs will grow plants, but depending on what plants you want to grow and how well there's a few other factors that come into play - especially if you have 3+ WPG. Here's a bit of light reading for you. Please excuse the pun. http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... -lighting/ http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... arium.html http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm

This like the start of an awesome tank. I can't wait to see it stocked. Please post up the specs and setup of the tank/lighting etc.

Eric, what size tank do you have the CF1200 running on?

Not at all - I know who I'll be asking for my chemisty questions.

alanmin4304 - Thankyou for taking the time to explain as simply as you can the chemistry aspect of chlorine relationship within water. I think this is a great science lesson and helps us to understand the breakdown of our weekly water changes. Personally I think you should compile this information and place it as a sticky post for everyone to read. Cheers, Chris.

How do you find out if your locl water supply has Chlorine added or not?

SpidersWeb - Do you add cold water straight from the hose without dechlorinator? I'm wondering if lower hutt water has chlorine in it and whether it would be safe just pouring cold water straight in?

I believe the tank with the big tree toot is one of Oliver Knott's tanks: http://www.plantella.com/ This is a catalogue of the majority of Takashi Amano's show tanks: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xylema/ Some of these are breathtaking.

Great tip Bill - I'll give that a go. I use the old hairnet trick. I cover the stone in Riccia or moss, then get a hairnet - and double wrap it around then gluegun the back to keep it on tight. In a few weeks the Riccia completely covered the stones.

I thought it might be Riccia attached to the rocks, but it seems denser - Xmas moss possibly?

If you need some inspiration for your planted tank, here's 10 pages of some of the world's best: http://www.akvaryum.com/Forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40111&PN=1

I'll wonder down raumati or kapiti beach one weekend - sounds like a good place to start. Cheers.

I'm trying to track down some large pieces of driftwood. Does anyone know of any good places to look in the lower north island? Is there any particularly good river banks or beaches where nice pieces wash up? Also, if anyone knows of a LFS or landscape supplier that sells quality pieces, that would also be great. Cheers.

Sorry - I meant 4 X 54w T5 HO