I am glad there are some Leicester people here. Apart from the net I have never seen a planted tank so maybe a get together some time?

Tom I see from your reply that you must have had a peek at my reef web site but in spite of your comments my decision has been made and I am now going the freshwater planted tank route and have sold all my salt water gear.

I wish you luck with Monterey Bay Aquarium - I didn't realise you were into salt water as well. The sea-grass project sounds good. I looked into this some years ago but we could not get it here in the UK and I was told that although some shops were looking into it there were great difficulties in transplanting it and getting it to grow.

I have, hopefully, attached a picture of my new tank. The back and one side are painted black, there are 5 x 58 watt lights in a home made hood. The tank will be heavily planted and managed by the Barr modified Walstad approach. I have six bags of Flourite and 50 kilos of fine gravel waiting to go in but before I add it I would be grateful for any comments on the position of the driftwood please.

Thats gonna be great mate, i'm well jelous, look forward to seeing it develop.

dan