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I can always "Make" the time for the weekend maintenance, as I always do weekly water changes, general cleanup, etc., on all my tanks. If we're talking 30 minutes to an hour, should be okay for the most part, it's just that on some days, it may get no attention other than to make sure things are operating as normal.

I'm not a "normal" person in that I typically only sleep 5 to 6 hours a night, so by working 14 hours it still leaves me with 4 or 5 hours of time to do other things, it's just that I have to spread out a lot in that time. And the 14 hour days aren't the norm, just real busy periods.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Ok Jim,

Now we are getting somewhere

You mentioned that money is not an issue and as such I conclude that you wouldn’t have to apply for welfare is this tank should fail and all equipment was purchased for nothing .

Now I am changing my mind, I would say go for it. It might break your heart to see it fail (if it should happen) but otherwise you would never know what could have been.

Are you on board?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Sounds good. Money is always an option, however my resources are sufficient enough that should it all go belly up it won't put me in the poor farm.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Ok Jim,

Here is what we are going to do

Actually, here is my suggestion. For the CO2 system

- You need to locate a welding company or such in your area that sells CO2 bottles (I think 5 liters should be way enough)
- Online you go and buy a Unit like [link=This One]http://www.aquariumplants.com/cgi-bin/cart/pr007.html" style="COLOR: #ff6633[/link] (I have it and you might have to scroll down to see the picture). It contains a Regulator, solenoid, bubble counter, and return valve.
- On the same site you can also buy some CO2 tubing.
- Next, we need a glass diffuser, I will try to find the link in this forum that points to the good ones.
- Lastly, a timer to hook up the solenoid (if you want it to start at a different time than the lights).

And for other things:

-What are the dimensions of a 30G Long? We need this to get you the right light . What you want there is a fixture where half the lights can be turned on individually as 3 to 4 wpg is way too much for a full day load of light.
- Go and peruse books, your LFS, and the web for plants that you like, then we will discuss them here and tell you why they are not good . One good site to look at plants is [link=Tropica]http://www.tropica.com" style="COLOR: #ff6633[/link].
- Soon we will start to talk about your options on fertilizers, dry or liquids .

Still on board ?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Still on board. The tank dimensions are 36" L x 12" D x 15" H. Also I have a couple of books on hand that I've been reading: Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants by Peter Hiscock & Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad. If you have any other specific recommendations, let me know as I will purchase the books as I like to have them on hand for reference.

I'm also familiar with the Tropica site.

There will be no problem in locating and getting the CO2 tank.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Jim,

And here is [link=The Link]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Planted%20Aquaria/66955.html" style="COLOR: #ff6633[/link] to the thread that talks about glass diffusers.

Hope this helps,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Well, I picked up the tank from the LFS this afternoon and I'm glad I went with the 38 gallon tank as not only is it larger than the 30 gallon long, but looks better on the stand I'm making.

The only problem is, now I'll need to make another stand for the 30 gallon long and figure out what to do with it Maybe that shellie tank I've been wanting

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Jim,

Congratulations on the self-multiplying tanks

What is going to be next on your agenda? Lights? Have you decided on what kind of substrate you would like?

Some people like to make their planted tanks themed, like an Amazon biotope and such. It would be something you might like. I myself have not reach that level yet and basically select plants and fish because I like them, as long as they require roughly the same water parameters.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I still need to order the lights for the tank, but was holding off for a few days as I will be out of town next week and didn't want them showing up while I was gone. Going to Vegas for a mini-vacation (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas). I'll also be ordering the regulator and diffuser when I get back.

Don't think I'll be attempting a biotope at this time, as this will be my first attempt at a heavily planted tank as well as the CO2, etc..

I'll probably be using flourite as I have some on hand, but I'm still debating because of the clouding problems I keep hearing about, but we'll see.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Jim,

I hope you will enjoy your mini-vacation in Vegas, although I wouldn't be surprised if you spend some time in front of the Casino's fish tank (if they have any) wondering if this would be a nice layout for you .

Have fun,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club