Kudos to this group, and a question

[critrcrazy]

A couple weeks ago I pulled my UGF. Oh my heavens...what a job that was, LOL!! Thankfully, I had the foresight to stop and pick up some 5 gal. buckets before I got started so I could keep my gravel wet. It only took a couple hours to tear down the 55 gal, and then set it back up - minus the UGF. I added some Laterite to the bottom, and boy are my plants :) :) :) !! Was kind of worried about the crypts just melting into nothingness after the move, but even they are thriving, and never lost the first leaf. The amazon swords are putting out new leaves like crazy too.
Hubby misses the bubbles, and twisted my arm to put in the bubble wand across the back. He's desperately looking for a submarine to float in the tank too ( OMG) but so far, have tossed the catalogs that we get in the mail that have anything resembling what he's looking for (hehehe).
Would love to add more plants, but its very difficult to find low light plants around here, dangit. If I get a chance to upgrade my hood to one with two tubes, does it all come together in one pkg (like the current one I have did) or do I need to buy everything seperate (light fixture, cover, etc)? I would like to be able to add more/different plants in the future, but I know this isnt possible with the low light set up I have now (all in one cover/light with only one 48" bulb).
Thanks a bunch again. Ya'll are wonderful!!!

[critrcrazy]

I was going to post a pic, but dont know how to make it smaller so it is under the maximum file size :confused:

[Gulp]

Originally posted by critrcrazy
I was going to post a pic, but dont know how to make it smaller so it is under the maximum file size :confused:


Upload them here: http://www.aquaticphotos.com/ , then post a link to the pics, or use the IMG button. :D

[OrionGirl]

There are several lights that you can get to upgrade your lights. I really like the Corallife series, with power compacts. They come with built in fans, and a variety of bulbs are available. They do not include a cover for the tank, though, so that must be purchased, or you can build a canopy and have them sit on top.

For other options--check www.Aquabid.com for crypts, anubias, and african fern (bolbitis spp). I have them in a 55 with less than 1 wpg, and they are all thriving.

Let you husband know that it will come down to bubbles or plants. The bubbles cause surface agitation that gasses off some of the CO2 in the water, and reduce the amount available for the plants.

[critrcrazy]

Thanks Oriongirl for the info about the lights. And yeah, I know about the bubbles, but I figured it looked better (plus, I sneaked and turned it waaaaaay down and he hasnt noticed, shhhhh! dont tell! lol) than a plastic submarine floating in there and blowing bubbles...lesser of two evils, if ya know what I mean ;) . Guess I will have to end up getting hubby his own tank to do with as he pleases - now theres a thought!

[Must4ng s4lly]

Critrcrazy, my hubby put in three airplanes and one sub into the aquarium two years ago! LOL! It is funny! The fish love the sub! I promise to not tell yer hubby ;)

I will upload my pic as soon as I can! Thanks gulp for the link!