Ballast containers for mega hab purchased

The Otterbox 3500 isn't made anymore, but luckily it's a fairly standard size/shape of drybox, so I was able to find an off brand equivalent. Three of them set me back $52 but a much appreciated $20 donation put a sizable dent in that.

This means work can finally continue on the mega hab! Once the ballast containers are attached I can add the heater pad (already bought) then the air inlet and tubing, then I suppose I'll have to figure out what to do about the opaque lid. A window most likely, unless I can find somebody with the transparent lid version to trade with. 

Grass progress video

New Aquarius mission begins today.

The Navy is using it this time, not sure what for. As always, watch live by clicking this link and choosing which camera you want. 

More grass

Still going strong, now starting to reach up into the dome. I don't think it gets much taller? I hope not, the package said it's not supposed to. Anyway this has been a huge success. This species of grass really likes these conditions, I'm gonna see how long I can keep it going by sending water down with some fertilizer mixed in at some point. The goal being for it to be able to permanently stay submerged.

Watching grass grow: The blog

Rapid growth

The grass is really taking to the enclosed, underwater conditions much better than the sunflower sprouts did. Not surprising in hindsight. Glad greenhab is finally green, it's really lush in there.

Grass sprouts

So much for "slow growing", this stuff really shoots up before you know it. Hopefully it'll fare better.

Grass planted

Got some seeds for that slow-growing grass that doesn't get very tall (so you don't have to mow it) from a garden store, should be ideal for greenhab. Will post pics when it sprouts.

Video: Plant progress

More plant stuff

The initial sprouts died. Not sure why but I put it down to excessive heat. Heat pads in the Summer were probably a bad idea. So I planted some new seeds and have left the heater off.

The results appear more promising and as a bonus, with the heaters off, condensation doesn't collect on the sides, making it much easier to see inside. Sorry bout the quality, can't take a clear picture of it for some reason: