First post - new custom build

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Hey all,

Just a few quick pics from the other day....got some more anubias coffeefolia and planted that around the two trees. You can see in the middle where the new plants have grown in very well. I added some dwarf lillies and some tiger lotus as well.

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I am going to REPLACE my 72" 6x39w T5HO fixture with TWO 36" 8x39w fixtures from ATI. I will simply place them end to end on my light bar..

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/li...les/ati-36-8x39w-dimmable-powermodule-fixture

Please note I am NOT paying this price :) This vendor gave me an excellent quote plus shipping when I contacted them re: 2 units...

I am doing this for several reasons. I am NOT doing this because I want or NEED more light!!!

1. The ATI fixtures are FULLY DIMMABLE and can provide dusk/dawn effects as well as other features.

Each fixture has 4 ballasts that drive 2 tubes each. Each ballast can be controlled invidually. There are 10 time 'zones' per ballast. Much flexibility here.

So, I can ramp up and down per ballast as desired. I can have more or less light at times and places at my discretion.

2. The ATI fixtures have better reflectors. This helps MINIMIZE the glare/spill with my current fixture. I will be able to have the fixture LOWER which will also help a bit.

3. With dimming there is no need to raise/lower the FIXTURE to adjust light and PAR levels.

4. The ATI fixture from what I understand is QUIETER re the cooling fans.

5. It is WIDER than my current fixture and will provide more EVEN light from front to back.

6. I am HOPING that with a gradual on/off that the fish will not be startled by 8x39w coming on at once and NOT JUMP out of the tank :) The controller in the new unit allows for 0-100% intensity as desired so it will go ON and OFF gradually..

The dimming feature alone is worth the cost. I will be able to view the tank LONGER since I can simply use a much lower % of each ballast or simply 1 or 2 to get enough light to see it :)

Now the best I can do is 4x39w at 100%.

I don't care for the blue LED moon lights on my current fixture...so that option is out for me.

I think the cost is worth it in the long term and the FLEXIBILITY these fixtures will provide.

Later!

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warman98 said:
Great tank, you should trim more the Cuba to get it in more abundance also I think the "trees" look empty, try some flame moss or java moss, could also do with anubias barteri var nana "petit", keep us posted what stock do you have there?
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Hi,

Thanks. What 'cuba' should be trimmed? I have no species/varieties of it :)

There is petite in the branches. If you go back a few posts, there is a link to FTS over time and you can see where the trees were covered more.

I am trying this out and see how I like it is all...It is so nice is a shame to hide it. I will add some moss eventually, just need to get some :) Thanks for the suggestion.

Fish:

110 + rummy nose tetra - h.bleheri

20 + otocinlus

6 cory arcuatus

2 - cory agaziz( spelling?)

50 + n.eques - diptail pencil - 150 on order

Many fire shrimp and amanos as well. Plus tons of snails :)
 
I must say that is a stunningly beautiful tank. I would love to have a wonderfully planted tank like that, but unfortunately I also like mbuna and the two don't mix very well. Well, anyway it is gorgeous.
 
wrslrcichlid said:
I must say that is a stunningly beautiful tank. I would love to have a wonderfully planted tank like that, but unfortunately I also like mbuna and the two don't mix very well. Well, anyway it is gorgeous.
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Thanks so much for the compliments and the laugh. I actually LOL with the mbuna/plant comment. Glad I wasn't drinking anything at the time :)

Perhaps a smaller tank w/o mbuna?
 
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