RagTopMan

Long term, even short term survival in captivity is almost impossible. They should be left on the reef. It is quite irresponsible to collect them and more so to be selling them retail, which of course just leads to more collecting. I've seen them at Roozens before but then again, I can't imagine a place that is more irresponsible than them.

Thanks for the suggestions. If I don't end up going with an LED set-up, I would indeed probably stick with the Phoenix 14K's. Good color and cheaper than everything else out there. I'll definitely check into the T5's you suggested and reefgeek as well.

I ran the numbers on an LED rig several times and could not get it down to under a grand. Of course that was using heatsinks and Meanwell dimmable drivers. Care to shoot me a materials list on a controllable/dimmable set-up you would recommend? Sure would welcome the break on the Pepco bill.

Well, I am past due for a complete bulb change so now is obviously the time to explore options and seek some of the community's experience and advice. I have 2 X 36" Outer Orbit fixtures over my standard 220g tank (72"L X 24"W X 30"H). Each fixture contains 2 X 250W DE HQI bulbs + 4 X 39W T5's + 18 LED moon lights. So I am about to get hit for 4 HQI's and 8 T5's. Just thinking about it hurts... My Reflectors are the stock Current USA setup and ballasts are magnetic. Bulbs I have been using are Phoenix 14K's for the HQI's and the T5's are stock Current USA bulbs (4 X 420nm + 4 X 460nm). Original livestock plan for the tank was to be SPS dominated, however, having lost lost dozens of frags and mini-colonies, that plan has changed. What I now have is basically a fish only tank but with long tentacle and bubble tip anemones. I will continue to increase the number and variety of the bubble tips as their ease of care and compatibility with my angel and tang dominated fish collection makes for a beautiful set-up that my wife (IMPORTANT) and I greatly enjoy. My amount of light is not at all a problem and I have even been exploring the notion of tackling a DIY LED set-up. The initial cost investment is an issue at the moment but I suppose if someone wanted my existing fixtures... maybe that should be a seperate post. So back to the question of bulb choices for my existing set-up. I simply want to come up with a combination of bulb temperatures that will maximize colors. The only other option for the haldes would be 20K. Any thoughts? Are the Phoenix 14K's really nearly as blue as a 20K as I have read? Remember SPS growth is no longer an issue. It is all about colors! With the T5's, here is where I really am overwhelmed with choices. What would be a pleasing combnation to really bring out the colors of my fish, anemones and coraline? Thanks in advance for any ideas you have!

Sure he will. Just put "LE" in front of it! A fool and his money...

I have several sheets, like 3-4" square, that knocked off the side of my tank recently. Eventually, they just get mixed in with my sand bed. All yours if you want them.

As you are approaching "Oracle Reefer" status did you have anything else in mind for yourself? Perhaps, "High Priestess of the Reef"...

Thanks for that welcomed clarification.

Wow. Pointing out that there might be some who felt your initial post was indeed "uncalled for", in what was previously believed to be a open forum, was obviously a mistake. Dissent in a forum? Imagine that. But again, my mistake and won't happen in this "open" discussion forum ever again. As for having an experience with your store, in my personal opinion, which I have a right to express, I would say I have certainly had one today. Though I have been a customer in the past, sadly, I can't say I will ever return. But in all seriousness, I do indeed wish you good luck with your business.

Well said indeed, Hypertech. Hopefully the vendor, that also serves as moderator/adjuicator of "personal attacks" (anyone struck by the conflict of interest?) doesn't delete your post.

Found it. Thanks!

100% agree with not feeling comfortable giving credit card information over the phone. Perhaps directing the customer to the website to provide a more secure means for the customer to provide the card information, or simply agreeing to hold the item for 24 hours or the like might have been a more useful and mutually beneficial solution to this scenario. Rather than this "Sad day..." posting? Sadly, some of the better vendors in our area are certainly a hike for many of us. Having to call and verify availability or rely upon timely updates to stock lists are necessary, at least for me, before making an hour + trip and back. A little understanding of this might secure a few more sales. Perhaps this should be a seperate post but I have a question. Regarding the "WAMAS Premium Sponsor" program, I am wondering just what is the tangible benefit to WAMAS members? I get the exposure, direct marketing, and dedicated forum benefits to the vendors but how do the members benefit? Other than off-setting operating costs of the site of course. I understand there is a 10% member discount offered by some vendors but apparently this is not a requirement of the "Premium Sponsor" program. Example: Pristine Aquariums in Alexandria = NOT a "WAMAS Premium Spnsor" = Does offer a 10% member discount Bue Ribbon Koi = "WAMAS Premiun Sponsor" = Does NOT offer a 10% member discount I am NOT looking to start a big deal, just looking for a clarification and better understanding. Maybe a list of those vendors who do offer member discounts would be good to post as a sticky?

Looks great! And even with the first day live issues and tweaking, your site is rocket fast compared to Mr. Coral.

PM sent on the Joculators!