Kia Ora. Wow thanks so much for your reply..... really great info, I've been in Maidenhead today and the guy in there was super nice, because of my arthritis he said he could assemble the stand for me, I asked how much and he said rather surprised "nothing", I'd likely slip him 20 to get a beer though, as opposed to Ings who would pre assemble for £40 then deliver for £40! Unfortunately Maidenhead don't have a van. I'd have to organise a two guys to get it up to me but I'm sure thats not a problem. One thing I like about the Fluval is its depth and width, but you're right about the length 320cm, I was sure it was a four footer but its about 5 inches shy. Frisbees I visited and they are very friendly, and it was nice because my father bought our first tank from the same shop over forty years ago when I was about 10 or 11!
However there's a dinginess to the place. I am grateful for your suggestions about alternatives, but I just dig the attention to detail Fluval have, also it comes with the excellent 7 series canister and two of the top of the range lights. My requirement for a lid was purely for power saving, although it's not needed, and has the two glass top pieces you mentioned..... when I envisage my build I do wish I could have plants growing above the water line to give it depth and authenticity. I'm thinking something Congo or African. There also seems to be a shortage of choice for plants.
One thing you may know is where to access hardware... decent sized wood and stones. I'll take a look at Ferrybridge on your recommendation.. Don't mind a drive for the right thing. Thanks again for the welcome and advice greatly appreciated. Kia Kaha.
Just make sure you're happy with the limitations that the tank size could have on your future choices - over four foot would allow fish upto 6 inches, maybe more for inactive or less active species but under 4 foot you'd be better around the 4 inch mark, 5 inch maximum. Getting the tank delivered should be ok but some companies don't like handling fish tanks so just be prepared to ring around.
For plants I'd recommend going online, it allows you to research and buy exactly what you want and avoid any house plants masquerading as aquarium plants. Ings lane has the best plant choice for me personally - they have a really good Tropica selection and their bunched plants are ok but they do have house plants mixed in there.
When you say African set up - have you considered Malawis? Mbunas or Peacocks - our hard water is perfect for them but you can't really keep plants with them. We are also lucky in that we have 2 of the best breeders/importers in our area - Tonys African Cichlids in Bridlington and Kevs Rifts in Pontefract. For me the best hard water 'community' habitat to replicate is Lake Inle where you have Thick Lipped Gourami, Red Honey Gourami, Rummy Nose Rasboras, Emerald Rasboras, Inle Loaches and some really stunning (but quite rare danio species). Nearby lakes also have things like Rosy Loaches and Galaxy Rasboras which are sometimes a bit easier to find and also some stunning Badis/Dario species. This set up could be a really good option for the Siena with an Amano inspired planted layout and the fact these species stay quite small goes in its favour and they come from densely planted habitats too.
Wills