Not sure if I was the one recommending the MH lights, I'm always promoting them. They're of no quantitative added benefit other that the deep tank thing, if anyone has one, but it's mainly for aesthetic reasons. The greens aren't as brilliant green as with PCs, I noticed, which may be important to some people, but it is a more natural-looking type of light. I got them because they were way cheaper than the 48" Aqualight PRO I was thinking about getting, and the Aqualight for freshwater didn't have all the features I wanted. I had been using a PC retrokit in my canopy, but got tired of the contraption, and I wanted an open top tank and the options available thereof.

Well, I have never really shopped for them, but the HQI pendants that were recommended were like $250 each with just a cursory look. That by itself isnt bad, but I would need a pair of them. I do love the look of the MH lights, & would lkie to have em, ESPECIALLY for the shadows & dappled light they would provide.

I think I found the pic of that dudes outdoor tank. WOW!

Just wanted to update you all on this, because I know you have all been holding your breath in anticipation.

I picked up my new 90 gallon tank & stand last week. The light, as I expected was only a 2x65 coralife. I went down to the LFS & ordered another strip (same thing) and 2 6700k & 2 10k bulbs for it. I gave 300 for it, & the galss top. This thing is a beast! I was kinda suprised at how heavy it was. I dont really like the corners on it, they arent mitered... But I will make do, it will look better when filled.

Soooooo.... all thats left is everyhting else! (hows that for a profound statement?) Things that are left to pickup :

Magnum 350 pro kit filter : around 125
Co2 kit from aquaticplants.com : around 75 or 85
5yr lease on a 20lb Co2 tank: ~60
7 bags of EC, & 2 big bags of black gravel : ~$100 if LFS stays the course
Deluxe Package#2 from aquariumdriftwood.com (plants & DW) ~100
A ton of fish : ~$100 to start I figure.

So I have miles to go before I sleep, but I am a step closer. I figure 3 more months. :/ Oh well, at least it will be warm enough for me to go up to the shallows in the river & pick out some good rocks for my planned terrace in the thing!

Fish!!!!! We don't need no stinkin fish ... Plants ... we need plants ...

Fish are just decorations for our plants ... absolutely unnecessary <grin>!!!!!

Greg

Sort of agree with GW. But ya need some algae eaters if anything. My plain otos have been getting big fat bellies by the end of their day; I've never noticed that before. Ever! So I went and got 25 more for my 90 gallon. I also got some pretty rare "zebra" otocinclus; at around 12 buck a piece, they weren't cheap. I also got a singapore shrimp. All for $114! So ~$100 would just about do it. My mbuna are outie. They're not that great at eating my algae.

I am one of those freaks who really like fish as well as the plants... I know, crazy. :P

One of the things that REALLY makes me want more plants is the fact that I love to watch my fish swimming in & around them. When I first got my little DW chink with some narrow leaf java ferns on it, ym Zebra Danios were swimming around, playing in them & I really really liked that alot.

Here is a list of the things I want to stock with :

15ish Raspboras
10ish Silver Hatchetfish
6 YoYo Loaches
8 Kuhli Loaches
6 Oto
6 Cory
4 SAE
1 Bristlenose

Thats all for now folks.