Aaron83

After some local recommendations re: the best and most beautiful moss to set up on a driftwood log. Know java fern is easy and the cheapest but from bit of looking sounds like xmas and flame moss are better, though I assume more expensive to get enough for a decent size bit of wood.

Also keen on tips for getting hold of the moss locally, the cheaper the better!

So want to upgrade to a sump on my 6x2x1.5ft which means I need a couple of holes cut. Have chased Nick from the sticky topic but not heard anything back, so hoping someone can point me to another person that does similar. Ideally they can come out to do it as well.

Also anyone have experience in removing the stiffener strap/piece on a side panel (1.5ft) and things not falling apart. Will currently be in the way for the holes I want to put in.

Cheers!

So is getting a bit hard watching normally tough plants wither and barely hold on in my 6ft x 2ft deep tank so thinking it deserves a lighting and CO2 upgrade but keen on some advice.

Lighting wise currently has a very old (and very heavy) compact fluoro + metal halide unit. Used to just run the fluoros on it for 10-ish a day but a month back added the halides back in for 4-6 a day, but not seen any difference in the plants. Was going to swap out for some LEDs, currently thinking the 'DEE PLANTED AQUARIUM FULL SPECTRUM 4 MODE LED LIGHT 5FT 150CM' unit. Would one unit do if I just wanted to have lush narrow java fern and vallis, plus possibly some anubias? Or two a better bet?

Next is the CO2, as understand that it will make avoiding algae easier (along with helping on the lushness) especially if lighting is up'ed. Currently don't have much (any?) of the bad hairy stuff but rocks and glass get a good coating pretty quickly. Ideally not spending huge $$$'s on the system but also don't want to bother with DIY mixes, etc. Any recommendations on a system? And would I need to remove the air stones if I'm running CO2?

Would like to get to one of the better shops around and talk to them and see what they can do, but thought there'd be some people here that could help as well.

Have attached some very poor phone photos but think good enough to see the pain that plants are currently in. Fish are happy, gets a good 30-40% water change a week, is just the plants it seems.

Cheers!