DAlberta

Hawaii Crews Vacuum Up Invasive Algae April 14, 2006 — By Associated Press HONOLULU — Marine researchers in Hawaii discovered a new way to clean ocean water from invasive algae -- sucking them up with an underwater vacuum. The Super Sucker, a 4-inch modified gold dredger that runs on bio-diesel, proved to be efficient in collecting alien algae at Kaneohe Bay on Tuesday. The device sucked 800 pounds of the plant per hour, work that would have required 150 volunteers and 10 divers to perform manually. "The reef coral that was smothered and dying can return to health," said Eric Conklin, a University of Hawaii graduate student who was wearing diving gear while scooping the bay's reefs with the vacuum. Alien algae is a serious threat for the islands' coral reefs. It dominates large regions on Oahu's south shore as well as on Maui and Molokai. The algae growing in the bay blocks sunlight and takes away habitat for fish, said biologist Cynthia Hunter. The super sucker operates from a 13-foot by 25-foot covered barge that is docked at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at Coconut Island. Powered by a 40-horsepower engine, it spews some 300 gallons of ocean water and algae per minute into a porous bin, where researchers pick out sea animals or native plants and return them to sea. Another advantage of the vacuum is that it keeps the algae intact, which prevents the plant from regenerating through broken fragments. The vacuum, which was developed by Eric Co of The Nature Conservancy, was the brainchild of officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, botanists and biologists. It costs about $150,000 a year to operate the Super Sucker, which has removed 25,000 pounds in its first 12 months of operation, said Bryan Parscal, operations supervisor for the project. The state also has funding for a Super Sucker Jr., which can be deployed in shallower waters outside the bay. Source: Associated Press

I am too often all wound up in my own world and not realize the small things. These tanks (especially my discus) make me slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. I have a better learned a better appreciation for our environment. There is a direct connection between the crap we dump down our sink or spray on our lawns affecting the creatures in that wetland (used to be called swamp) Dave

If you need an extra boost of heat when it is cold out consider burning a tire or using a burning barrel. We used em until the landlords (upstairs) got upset Dave :beer:

Who else here has discus? Dave :beer:

I was so distressed I went for counselling and got medication Dave -roll-

Here is what they look like (about 1/3 down the page) Dave :beer: http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http...GLG:en%26sa%3DG

I am not sure why someone would want to watch videos of fish rather than look at their own but here is a link you may find interesting Dave :beer: http://www.aquariumfish.net/pages/videos.htm

What do you like most about fishkeeping???? Dave :beer:

Zebra Danios are a good first fish. They appear to be really tough and very cheap too!!! You may consider checking out Pisces Pets (Calgary) on Saturday mornings. They usually have a few select fish very cheap (we have bought neons for fifty cents each) Be sure to tell them you are a beginner and I am sure they will help you out! Dave :beer:

I think they hunt fish Dave :beer:

I hope you haven't got into the drug trade???? Dave :beer:

Does anyone here use CO2 in their tanks? What are your thoughts??? Dave

The thing to remember is some tetras get bigger than others. Be sure to stick to tetras which will be about the same size once they finish growing We have a 42 gallon "tetra tank" with neons, rummynose, head and tail light , glowlight, and lemons finished off with a few kuhli loaches. All get along well! Perhaps when you decide to upgrade to a larger tank you may be interested in raising angelfish! Dave :beer:

Are you looking for suggestions for fish or plants???? Or??? Dave :beer:

I am not a big fan of NLS but our Cichlids eat the stuff. Flakes should be ok. You could try some frozen foods. We also slice up and blanch zuchini - they go crazy over the stuff Dave :beer:

What do YOU think is the most beautiful fish? Discus, cats or ????? Dave

GOD BLESS WALMART!!!! Dave :beer:

I am curious how much the toadfish are selling for Dave

I bought the most expensive adult discus at the spring auction!!! ($30) (Note: There was only one adult discus at the auction) Dave -roll-

For those of you who don't know we purchased 10 adult and sub-adult discus from Kevin (formerly DiscusDiehard). They came home this afternoon and appear to be settling in quite nicely! The bonus is the pair of Marlboroughs have bonded and appear to be interested in breeding!!!! This is yet another addition to our rather large family of fish!!! (Personally my favorite btw) Who needs television when you can have aquariums???? Dave :beer:

We are going to be (eventually) looking into a water softening system for our fish. Where do we go? Where do we start? What should we expect to spend? Is this something Home Depot sells? Isn't "water softener" salt anyway??? Your input please Dave

What is GAC??? Dave

What do YOU think is the ugliest fish ever? Dave

For those of you who don't know me ........ I am a professional horticulturist with an academic background and 20 years in the buisiness. (No, I don't grow dope). I also volunteer my spare time with a few well known environmental groups writing articles, attending events, wriiting letters and of course meetings. I also spend time helping out with the Calgary Horticultural Society (I will be a guest speaker at the upcoming show on April 21 to 23 btw - everyone is invited). I also have a soft spot for animals and have no problem speaking up about animal welfare issues and a strong advocate for mental health issues. I took a winter job and the time for me to go back to what I love to do is coming soon. It will be hard to leave because this is a very good job with a good employer. I used to be interested in tropical fish back when I was a teenager ...... then lost interest when I found out about sex, drugs and rock and roll (I was successful but not in that order btw - LOL). Last fall Tammy (da shack up) was trying to quit smoking and I suggested instead of spending money on smokes why not try fish? Well ...... the hobby has exploded to 15 tanks, nearly 400 gallons of water and dozens of fish. We get countless hours of enjoyment in cleaning, setting up, taking down, buying, selling and trading fish N stuff. All of our fish are in excellent health and Tammy spends countless hours making sure everyone is getting along. Truly a very good hobby and it is really nice to share it with other people. (Tammy is the main caregiver btw - I just tag along fer the ride). This hobby fits in well with Tammy (who posts under this name btw) and I as we both have a soft spot for animals. It is truly a cruel workd out there Redneck I say! (God, country, family and community are always close to my heart) God bless Dave

Welcome aboard! It is nice to see some young people on here!!!! Dave