MLazar

This sounds like a good item for the club to buy and have available for members to check out, much like the PAR meter. Jon

Mark, Thanks for the detailed feedback, you've saved us a trip. Sorry it wasn't a better time for you. I'm excited about the upcoming socials at BRK (great store) and Mr. Coral (have never been but the man tempts me daily. Was planning on a road trip for Father's day, but I think we'll wait until the social..... or maybe go twice!) Stay cool. Maureen

I was just at the aquarium pretty recently...and it's sort of dreadful . I live in Baltimore, like 5 minutes from downtown and the Baltimore aquarium was poorly stocked when I went there. It was about 80% freshwater life, and super super crowded. If you really want to go, definitely don't pay full price admission, we went on a discounted student day and were still disappointed sadly. I'd take the DC zoo over the aquarium pretty much any day of the week. Thanks so much for the feedback on the aquarium, how sad. I wonder what's going on there? The last time we were there (2006) it was pretty amazing. Too expensive to be disappointed. I wonder if I could convince the inlaws the fish/coral stores would be more interesting than the aquarium????? We've already got them scheduled to go to BRK one Saturday! I just happended to mention the battlefield out that way and they are more than happy to go with us! Thanks again, Maureen

I ABSOLUTELY insist, please, as a special favor for me! Have a wonderful trip. M

Mark, Please share your road trip experience when you get back and let us know what you picked up! We're planning on the Baltimore Aquarium for a belated Father's Day outing when Jon's folks are in town on June 29. If you give the store rave reviews we'll try and combine trips. Good luck! Maureen

sorry for your loss........... m

Rik, Sorry for your losses. If there's anything we have of yours you'd like a piece back of, please let us know. You've always been so generous with everyone, I'm sure many will rally to help your tank recover to its previous glory. Maureen and Jon

Awesome idea, wouldn't have thought of it. Even making ice cube trays of RODI water sounds like it would help. Thanks! Maureen

I'm only a novice, but I wonder if that indicates there are still parasites present under the skin? Perhaps some of our fish experts out there can tell you if it would be a good idea to put the tang into a state of hypo-salinity for a while to make sure parasites are gone? Or is it possible it is just scar tissue???? Best of luck, he's beautiful.

Oh my goodness..... I didn't realize it had been so long for you. Wish we were closer to help out. M

Thanks for sharing. We'll take a look at it. M

Out 17, past Geico. Lots of trees down, but no houses lost, thank goodness. I think we're going to have to get serious about a generator as well. Does anyone have a brand/model they recommend (or don't)? M

Power is finally back on as of 1:30am. We lost power for over 5 hours yesterday and spent some time in the basement as the storm raged outside. Pretty scary stuff. Not sure of damage in our area, but last hurricane took out 26 homes less than 3 miles from us. Jon's talked about wanting to get a generator for years to keep the tank going (I usually think about fridge/freezer loss and house needs first) but it wasn't until last night that I thought we really have to make it a priority to look into a power source. This post is timing at its best. We weathered the storm okay, it was an interesting experience for my folks who are on their 2nd day here on vacation and my oldest son who came over to have dinner with everyone. Once the storm passed and we were out of the basement we pulled out extra candles and played some games for a couple of hours, sharing laughs and family memories, so it wasn't all bad....... and I think the tanks will be fine too because Jon put battery-operated air pumps in them. I hope everyone else is okay too. Maureen

I think your tank is looking awesome and I love your fish! Great picture. What's next on your wish list to add to your new setup? Maureen

Even more beautfiul than I expected it to be, I'm so glad you're sharing newer pictures. Seeing your tank makes me hopeful that, given time, our tank will look incredible too (and not just like a frag display tank). Nice job!

Jean Marie, I noticed your RODI unit is near your laundry. Our "tank room" is in our unfinished basement with our washer and dryer as well. Jon set a system up for me that catches the "waste" water from the RODI in a large trash can. There's a pump in the bottom with 1/2" tubing attached that I use to move the water over to my washing machine. It travels a good 10 - 12 feet to reach the washer. (We use a bungee cord to secure hose to washer lid). I was surprised to find that my traditional washer uses the entire trash can of water to fill just the first cycle of one load. Jon has a float attached to stop the trash can from overflowing when the can is full and the excess water drains into the floor while he continues to make "good" water. Just wanted to share this idea. I feel pretty good about being able to use the "waste" water. Helps with the water bill too. Hope to post this idea on our dedicated tank forum.............if we ever get it going............ Maureen (ps - love the paint color of dining room)

We're all hoping for the best possible outcome for you............. including sourcing your new tank somewhere else and seeing it up and running in the dedicated tank forum! Maureen

Have you taken her to the local library? She can borrow books with great pictures that may not be age appropriate. or perhaps even find something on her age level. Here's what I found at our library in Stafford County: 1. Tropical saltwater aquariums : how to set them up and keep them going / Seymour Simon ; illustrated by Karl Stuecklen. 2. Bring me home! : saltwater aquariums make a great hobby / John Tullock. 3. The nano-reef handbook / Chris R. Brightwell. There were a bunch of children's books on trips to aquariums as well............ might be worth looking at. Hope this idea helps, she's a cutie! Maureen

G, Sorry it didn't work out this time. I hope you will try again and keep this thread going. Maureen

These are awesome pictures. Thanks for sharing. Maureen

Very cool. Love the middle picture. Our baby shrimp are usually the "special of the day" on the lunch menu and consumed by tank critters...... sorry. Maureen

If your arm still feels funny you might want to see a doctor. Forrest, I'm more worried about you than your tank................sorry, but you're not replaceable. (no disrespect intended towards wonderful critters and fish). Take care of yourself. Maureen

LIzzie, We're down off I-95 in Fredericksburg VA, so not close, but we're in MD every 6 weeks or so. If worse comes to worse perhaps we'll both make it to the next Wamas social/meeting, which I hope is on the calendar of events soon (hint..........hint.............). Maureen

Lizzie, What's your location? Next time we're out and about your way we'll plan to drop you off some xenia. Maureen