Now that I've got the - admittedly fabulous- surprise of the Panda Corys off my chest, some other updates.
I read with envy many of the other tank journals where people do awesome stuff. Perhaps the perfect example of this is @Dogtemple's blog - he's two pages in and has drilled a ton of stuff - including a plastic Ikea chopping board - and lots of people are giving advice on how to drill stuff better and commenting on acutators and pipework. I have no idea what he's making but I'm guessing its something to do with an Aquarium, and I remain riveted in my ignorance.
I come from the opposite end of the capability spectrum. The last time I attempted to do some DIY (lifting a carpet in anticipation of the new one arriving), I flooded the house and ended up in hospital having minor surgery on my foot. Quite why the family encouraged me to get an Aquarium, where the opportunities to flood the house are maybe one hundred-fold those offered by a carpet, is beyond me. Nevertheless, I have made my own contribution to the DIY content of this site, and 'modded' my lighting. After seeing all the appealing lights suspended from the ceiling well above tanks, it occurred to me that if I could raise my lighting, I would get better coverage for the plants at the sides of the tank. I measured stuff and there was room within the tank hood to raise the light. So I got out my PAR ratings for the light, upped it from 60% to 70%, and raised it by 5cm with the able assistance of a set of wooden drinks coasters we bought at the primary school fete about 5 years ago. I am now basking in a glow of DIY competence!
I said I would take a snap of the Cryptocoryne Balansae. It's not at the aesthetically appealing end of the tank. My plan is that it grows out to hide the water intake tube. This may take several years. Since taking this photo the two yellow leaves have both melted off completely, so it's currently going backwards in terms of leaf density.
Also a couple of snaps of the Bristlenose and his tree. And all the patches of superglue left over from the insolent plants he has evicted. I had to reach round and take the first one 'blind' as I can't fit myself and my camera round that corner of the tank together, so it's a bit wonky.
MossMan said:
Cheers,
Simon
I read with envy many of the other tank journals where people do awesome stuff. Perhaps the perfect example of this is @Dogtemple's blog - he's two pages in and has drilled a ton of stuff - including a plastic Ikea chopping board - and lots of people are giving advice on how to drill stuff better and commenting on acutators and pipework. I have no idea what he's making but I'm guessing its something to do with an Aquarium, and I remain riveted in my ignorance.
I come from the opposite end of the capability spectrum. The last time I attempted to do some DIY (lifting a carpet in anticipation of the new one arriving), I flooded the house and ended up in hospital having minor surgery on my foot. Quite why the family encouraged me to get an Aquarium, where the opportunities to flood the house are maybe one hundred-fold those offered by a carpet, is beyond me. Nevertheless, I have made my own contribution to the DIY content of this site, and 'modded' my lighting. After seeing all the appealing lights suspended from the ceiling well above tanks, it occurred to me that if I could raise my lighting, I would get better coverage for the plants at the sides of the tank. I measured stuff and there was room within the tank hood to raise the light. So I got out my PAR ratings for the light, upped it from 60% to 70%, and raised it by 5cm with the able assistance of a set of wooden drinks coasters we bought at the primary school fete about 5 years ago. I am now basking in a glow of DIY competence!
I said I would take a snap of the Cryptocoryne Balansae. It's not at the aesthetically appealing end of the tank. My plan is that it grows out to hide the water intake tube. This may take several years. Since taking this photo the two yellow leaves have both melted off completely, so it's currently going backwards in terms of leaf density.
Also a couple of snaps of the Bristlenose and his tree. And all the patches of superglue left over from the insolent plants he has evicted. I had to reach round and take the first one 'blind' as I can't fit myself and my camera round that corner of the tank together, so it's a bit wonky.
MossMan said:
Thank you - appreciated. I am constantly amazed by how good it looks considering I haven't a clue what I'm doing. I'll have no excuses on the next one, mind you. And on that note the latest FTS:Thanks for this Journal, i have enjoyed reading it from start to date! Amazing looking tank btw! Nice one!
Cheers,
Simon