BaySailor

No argument from me on your last point. I doubt there's a cheaper way to handle the calk/alk expense. I'll have to check out that Lanthanum stuff, maybe it will help w/my gha problem.

Right, forgot about the dues...now i'm a new member. Haven't heard of lanthanum chloride but GFO seems to be working for me.

Well I just joined, so i'd like to volunteer a tip that has probably saved me a couple of thousand dollars over the years i've been reefing. I have a swimming pool, which as it happens, requires both calcium and alkalinity in very large quantities. One day, after buying $100 worth of B-Ionic, I decided to try mixing a couple of cups of each with r/o water and mix it in the gallon jugs I got from B-Ionic. I've been using it ever since (about four years) and I have had no problem I can attribute to these chemicals. My coral growth has been excellent. I don't have much crystalline algae, but that's probably because I keep the Alk at around 8 or 9 instead of 10-12. Calcium Chloride and Soda Ash can be purchased locally at any pool store, but I get mine at Leslie's because its cheaper. If you're looking for ways to save some bucks, you might want to consider it. Eric

Thanks again for the welcomes....i'm definitely going to the next frag fest -- wherever it is! Eric

I have a pair of black mollies I acclimated over about 8 hours or so. They have done fine over many months now, but have shown no interest whatsoever in my hair algae. Too bad, but I got them mainly for their color. What other all black fish can you think of -- i've seen one, a black angel.

Thanks for all the welcomes!! Hopefully, i'll find some folks in the area. Anyone in Old Town?

Where is 22204?

I've been reefing now for about five years but just discovered this local website. Pretty cool. Just wondering whether there are any folks in the West Alexandria area keeping tanks. I know none and am curious if i'm alone this this suburban wasteland. Any body out there?? Eric (72g mixed reef, no real issues)