werner

Nice. Now you've made me need to go to Lee Valley again. Start the car!

Yes, please. Are you just selling off the farm, or do you do farmer's markets, etc.?

Sorry if you're feeling disrespected- I don't mean to invalidate your idea by discussing logistics. I personally wouldn't really care if there's an auction format or garage sale format- both are good opportunities. Yes, it sounds like a good idea... but there has to be some serious discussion about implementing it- hall rental, table organization, potential attendance, how to cover costs, etc., etc. The CAS is a not for profit society, so $$ aren't the goal (we do talk about fish occasionally.) However, the auction proceeds make up the lion's share of the money that is used to pay for all the hall rentals, guest speakers and other programs throughout the year (and it's a very tight budget.) Unfortunately, most of the people at the auctions never come to the monthly meetings or even buy a club membership. Having been on the CAS board in the past, I've seen several instances where (potentially good/great) ideas haven't been implemented because the people on the bandwagon won't actually commit to putting in any effort. It's not really fair to say, "We should try this or that!" and then sit back expecting someone else to volunteer their time to make it happen. Perhaps I'm just a tad disillusioned? CAS objectives You may notice a couple of open board positions further down the page. You are more than welcome to join the "Old Boys" and bring change from within. Sadly, most people can't be bothered. Yes, come to the monthly meetings. And If you're really looking for more than just another venue to buy fish, I challenge you to take part in the implementation of your ideas.

In my experience, volunteers become extremely scarce when it comes to actually implementing them... Would you charge every seller a fee for a table? Or try to track sales and take a percentage? I think most sellers would say, "screw that!" and continue to sell their stuff in the classifieds, or make deals on the side to avoid the costs.

Never Change Your Fish Water Again describes something to that effect.

The farlowellas are being bred by Udo (sp?) and his wife. They're great fish! I spent all last evening watching them. I just have to figure out something for the little guys like to eat that won't get stolen by all the other fish. Farlowella #1 has been guarding an algae tablet all night, but doesn't look like he's actually doing much eating. #2 is hanging out in the plants.

I got a couple of locally bred royal farlowellas, and some uncommon plants: Bolbitis heteroclita, Eriocaulon setaceum, and Cryptocoryne nurii. Lots of people there and healthy bidding right to the end!

Never you mind. These are not the fish you're looking for... [waves fingers and performs Jedi mind trick.]

Lots of free parking. Show up about 10:30ish so you have time to wander around the tables and check out what's available. Some people bring a notebook to write down lot numbers that they're interested in. Then sit down and watch and bid if you want to. You can arrange to get a bidding card/number and run a tab (by leaving your driver's license as security) and pay for your items all at the end, or just wave your hand and pay as you win each item. It's CASH ONLY, so bring lots of $$$. There's a bank machine across the street if you need it. Maybe bring a box or cooler to carry your fish home. There's a concession for snacks and lunch, and several fast food restaurants nearby. The auction should run until approximately 4:00pm. It's all fairly low key- scratching your nose won't be registered as a bid. There are no added fees or buyer's premiums, so what you bid is what you pay. Bidding can get competitive for some items, but other things will go for $1 (especially at the end). Have fun & see you there!

It should be stamped into the cylinder somewhere near the top. They're good for 5 years after that date.

I gave that presentation MaxWaterFlow was kind enough to donate a system to the CAS that was raffled off, plus a discount on the group order. The tank isn't necessary unless you're installing the unit under the sink for drinking water. It only holds about 4 gallons, but is under pressure so you can fill your glass quickly (RO water is produced at a trickle). If you need more water at one time, just get a large bucket/barrel and let the unit run overnight. The DI filter will give you purer water. Depending on your source water parameters, the RO membrane alone will remove about 85-90% of stuff. With the DI filter added, you'll get closer to 98-99%. Not a big deal for most fresh water applications; reefers usually insist on DI. The gauges, etc. are just bell and whistles. A TDS meter is good to have to indicate when the membrane and/or DI resin is due for a change. Mine last a lot longer than the recommended 6-8 months. I'm due for some more filters if there's a group order in the works. Some of the stuff already includes free shipping, though.

Interesting! The article is based on "woody plants grown outdoors in high light." Wondering if the same holds true for aquatic plants grown submerged in moderate light? Water would modify the light quality significantly, and the leaf structure is different too. Here's one for you: http://books.google.ca/books?id=It5GePwa2EIC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

Is the tank planted? Many plants will take up the mercury and store it in their tissues. It's one of the techniques used to remove toxic heavy metal concentrations in polluted or industrial waste water.

There's got to be a joke somewhere in that...

That's lame. I keep seeing the previews for it on TLC- with a car that's been turned into an aquarium (cool!) I'll have to download it Hopefully it's all about the tanks and not just another bunch of reality show idiots hollering at each other.

Animal Planet has a new series starting on Friday the 19th called Tanked- it's about a couple of guys who build custom aquariums: Tanked Might be neat to check out.

Many Aponogetons are self-fertile. Use a little paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers and see if you get seeds...

If you keep feeding them heavily, they tend to be more visible. That goes for the snails too. :smokey:

Of course the CO2 will fluctuate. The article seems to indicate that it's a horrible disaster waiting to happen (?!?!?!)

The article in question stated that instead of doing regular water changes, one should "Only perform top offs for evaporated water." The mineral build-up we're talking about is in reference to this particular recommendation, and not suggesting that there is some sort of natural accumulation due to biological processes, etc., etc. in all systems. The article only recommends that "This no water change rule should only be used for tanks with high plant density." Would the plants use sufficient minerals to compensate for the accumulation from top offs? Potentially, in some high growth tanks and with some tap water parameters. However the article doesn't even mention mineral levels here, but instead warns us to be wary of CO2 fluctuations from water changes?!?!?

That could be cheap compared with the lighting- depends what you get. Planted Tank Beginner Basics

That sounds odd. Any dissolved CO2is going to escape to the atmosphere (the plants might get some.) I would be more worried about the topping up part- you're adding minerals, etc. every time you top up and not removing it with water changes.

It's not actual cash money. Most likely gift certificates to fish stores and possibly merchandise. So far, the amount pledged by stores and other sponsors is (I believe) in the several hundred to thousand dollar range. There are several prizes for the different categories.

I think mine's about 14" above the tank? There's enough room to get in there and mess around without burning my hair on the lights.