How to lowtech a 125

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
IK what you mean by the cameras focusing on the defects. They always seem to do that.
I want to start mine so badly, but the move is going to be an our drive away, and I have 24 fish to move as well, so I might be trading those in because most of the bacteria will probably die off. Ik, the SW will be traded in, then maybe I will not do SW anymore, and turn my 75 into a SA, or asian biotope with lots of plants, or just do the 125 as a planted. Either way I have time and I am looking for all the info I can find. Tomorrow I have a swap meet to go to. It will be hard not to buy, but I might ind people to hold my Crenicichla Lenticulatas, and my l-241a. Rest of my fish are pretty common, and I really want more uncommon ones to try breeding.
 
You know I started in a 25 gallon for plants, then ran out of room. Went to a 37, same thing. Went up to a 55, still the same problem Now they are in a 135, no problem yet, but I keep on changing out plants for new ones.
 
I know that feeling. I started with a 29 kit for my son cause he wanted a nemo. Now look where I am, 7 tanks with a 120, a 125, a 75, a 29, 2 20 longs, and a 10. Also I was looking at that solaris, At $3400 for a 72" and equals the light output of 250 hqi. But it's effective life is rated at 50,000 hours, which is about 11 years. I think it might just be a good investment. It also uses half the electricity, and lowers heat output so there is no need for a chiller, and cuts A/C use as well. I think after a couple of years it may pay for itself. Plus it will follow the spectral output of the sun from 22k-6.5k-22k. So it also gets rid of the lights on a timer, plus on one power cord so more free space for other accessories. Of Course that will take a couple of months to save up for. I think I might get one. IK, IK, I am freakin psycho, go from lowtech to the ultimate hightech in one day. I should be drug into the street and hung by my toenails, and whipped with a stingray barb........:screwy:
 
I wish I could afford a PFO solaris, but hey are too expensive. They are the ultimate tech when it comes to lights though, hands down. The 250 W MH equivelant is for every 2 feet I believe. Wait a little while, I'm sitting on a 150, 135, 2x55 (one is changing to a 75), 29, 20, 2x10, 5.5. I also have a 225+ in the works right now.
 
I didn't say I was gonna run out and buy it tomorrow, but around febuary or march I should be able to get one. I see you are slightly more afflicted with MTS then myself. I am out of room, hence the move, that and I am goin to move closer to work, it being an hour drive. That and my rent went through the roof. It will be $300 cheaper a month after the move. The only reason I am considering the solaris though is the longevity, consider bulb cost, and electricity as well, plus the A/C. Plus most ballasts last only a few years. At 11 years of effective life, you can't go wrong. Of course that is running the lights at 12 hours a day. If you lower it to 10, you might eek out 12 years. I figure most fixtures have to be replaced after about 5-6 years, plus all bulbs every 9-12 months.
 
I couldn't afford a solaris in even a year. They are just too expensive right now. Right now it is way cheaper to buy the 2 pc hoods to equal the one pfo, and that will run you around $450, even if the balast burns in 4 years and you have to replace it twice that would only be $1350.
 
Hey, when I do get it set up, I could use some clippings, so if you wanna share instead of pitch...............:D
 
My clippings are making me some hard cash! :D My LFS give $1 for really common stuff (rotala, and certain apotogetons), 1.25 for plants slightly less common plants (bacopa, tropical sunset hygro, java fern, broad leaf ludwigia) 2 for common, but pricy plants (anubia, swords) and for the majority of my plants in my main tank $4. Great LFS, and they have great prices.

I'll see what I can do, I may be able to squeeze for ya though. :thumbsup:
 
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