Struggling novice and his 4ft

So I didn't want to continue the thread in the new members area(not sure if that was allowed)
Recap:

• 4ft tank
• 2xT5 white lights (6500k and10000k I think)
• 300W heater set to 25deg
• 2 ugly internal filters (I wish to upgrade to canister sometime)
• Standard fine gravel (black)
• Semi Planted
• Seachem Excel every second day
• Seachem Flourish Comprehensive (micro nutrients) once a week

Im still struggling to post pics directly in the thread, think it might be a browser issue. I have posted some initial pics in the gallery though.

 

So my first question would be, what canister would you suggest for such a tank? I hate the look of the internals.

Secondly, what's the difference between excel and scape? I know there's a price difference but in terms of results and dosing, is it the same? The excel lasts me a long time...

 

While taking some pics to upload for you guys, Just noticed that one of my tubes are off, I have a DIY lighting setup. Where can I get replacement T5 light connectors and perhaps some sort of waterproof cover for the tube ends? It's seems like the one end burnt off

 

Both are the same. But Scape is more concentrated so it will last you even longer and its cheaper.

 

Thank you for the response. So can we only buy it online? Do you know of any shops that stock it anywhere close to centurion?

 

One of the site sponsors (Dorry Pets in Centurion) sold Scape products when i was there last...

 

Hi Vimeshan

Read this thread for some information regarding filtration, it'll give you a better idea on what you need Need advice regarding filtration.

 

Tank in August:





Will post more pics on the whats it looking like now, later today

 

Hi @Linxie
Thank you for this. You guys are already so helpful, I'm loving this and btw your tanks are amazing!!!

 

Anytime Vimeshan

 

No difference I think Scape is equivalent if not better

 

Some background, I tried to create a stand and top cover for the tank and the plan was to cover this white board with the wall paper as seen below. Hopefully will get around to doing it some time this year.
Just a Masonite box:

Inside the Top Cover:

Yep I had to hide the black plastic somehow, this is under the hood:

Had some blow ups where the tube connectors burnt, hence the plastic shield in attempt to stop the evaporation affecting the bulbs. Still looking for waterproof end connectors? Had to DIY the connectors with some standard lugs (I am comfortable around electricity even though you cant see it):


The wallpaper to liven up the look hopefully:


Any comments and advice please...

 

The tank state as off last night, I am waiting for the wood to sink and then plan to rescape a little by moving the larger plants to the background. Any advise welcome.
Left Side View:

Right Side View:

Front View:

Some Close Ups:

 

Those pics where with only one of the T5 bulbs on, I need to fix the other one, this time properly, so where can I get end connectors? Also any waterproofing ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Getting the water-resistant plugs separately can be a pain!

Ive seen them often at Fish for Africa and sometimes at Exotic Aquariums in Boksburg.

To do it you may need to buy the entire setup (ballast, wiring and connectors) which is around the R200 mark per light.

Both those stores stock it

 

Boil that driftwood and let it drop down low...down low to da flow

 

@Rich.P yeah I have been looking for a while and its a pain. I might just go the LED route, Do you know if DIY LED downlighters would work for plants?

@Sash LOL, that's the big plan, i did boil it initially but I wasn't that patient I guess. Hopefully is sinks soon so I can rescape a little. Would adding a fishing sinker to the wood mess up with my water?

I plan on having the rocks on the left and the wood on the right. Hopefully will look decent.

 

yep a sinker is made of lead!

 

Do you still have the stock that are in the pics?

I'm no expert but i don't think that bala shark is compatible with your angels or tank.Not familiar with the other 2 fish, are they gourami's?

Edit:Never mind, i missed your other thread.

Can you get some pics of your SAE?,

 

@Vimeshan, what material is the canopy / top made of?