Comment 1 for bug 577577

Complete Translation as follows with a couple updates for simplicity:

"To get this effect, we must do the following:

1. Enable the source code repository. Ubuntu Software Center > Edit > Software Sources > and check Source Code.

2. In the console go to the appropriate directory (cd /usr/src) and type the command: (note: current version might not be 2.30.2, so just look for the proper folder if it's different and cd into that folder.)

sudo apt-get update & & sudo apt-get build-dep gnome-panel & & sudo apt-get source gnome-panel & & cd gnome-panel-2.30.2

3. Now we need to fix the source code. Type:

gksu gedit applets/notification_area/na-tray.c

4. On line 35 we see (It might not be line 35 in current version, but just look for this phrase)

# Define ICON_SPACING 1

Replace 1 with the desired number. I'm using 10.

5. Built and install the package with the following command.

sudo dpkg-buildpackage

Now you can re-login to the system, or remove the applet and re-add it. This will update the changes. "