faewin

OK as said in my other post we're moving soon and I have the opportunity of a new tank. Currently I've got a Fluval Roma 125 and I want something bigger.

Our new house has a nice little alcove next to what used to be a fireplace. Not sure how big it is yet, but I'm hoping a 1.5m tank will fit, if not a 1.2 will surely fit.

I seem to have narrowed it down to either the Rena Aqualife 450 or the Juwel Rio 400
With the rena being the favorite. They have the smaller 120cm version in our LFS and It looks really nice. I just wondered what more experienced fishkeepers though of these models.

Also I want to have a real go at a planted tank, I have some easy low light plants in my currenty setup and it just looks so much better. I want to have a go at some more variation of plants.

What are my options for increasing the light in the rena, it comes with 4x36w T8s, could I just add a twin arcadia T5 unit? this would add 2x54w on top of the 4x36 for 252watts total (assuming it fits). Would this be enough to allow me more range of plants. Wife wants some that are "not green", guessing they require a lot of light?

These lighting systems seem very expensive, I have a budget of around £1000 total for the tank, and if if im not carefull I can see me using half of that on lights alone hehe.

Lastly any suggestions on a good UK online fish store for equipment and plants?

tzqng8

I'm not nearly experienced enough to help with your specific questions, but I thought I'd at least say congrats on the house and good luck with the new tank. That'll be a big boy and a lot of fun I'd think. Enjoy and post pics when it is up and running!

Barbrella

The only question I can really answer is, yes - plants that are not green (red or variegated) need intense light to compensate for their lack of chlorophyll.

If you want to seriously get into planting and are intending to get technical at all (cO2 etc) you really might want to check out the following forum. There's nothing these people don't know about planted tanks, equipment, lighting etc!

The Planted Tank Forum

WARNING: Pictures on that site will result in severe envy and cash outlay.

sallers

Hiya Faewin, am looking at a new tank myself, check out www.aquariumsdelivered.co.uk they got some pretty good deals.

As for plants and equipment, even going as far as fish check out wildwoods, i think website is www.wildwoods.co.uk

They are local to me and I can't recommend them high enough