February Meeting

[charlie]

Cynthia, your turn next girl

[scooter54]

In my opinion I think the group discussion was a success and very informative. I think that at all future meetings we should have a topic that we discuss as a group. I also like the smaller group discussions but there was still plenty of time for that.

[cdearing]

You won't get my pictures today. I am NOT going to the office. Also, secretary has a week to post the "minutes". Aren't those the rules?
Kim,
Thanks for hosting our meeting and going to all the trouble to fix us that fancy meal! It was delicous. I hope your husband didn't have to drive around the block too many times, waiting for the driveway to clear out.
I also appreciated the "sit down" discussion with the whole group. I got busy testing all my parameters this morning. It's been awhile!
Cyn

[charlie]

Yeah geez Cyn, enquiring minds need to know what went on at the meeting, God knows I didn't have a clue.;;

Well, start dreaming up topics to discuss, I will discuss anything.

[Parrothead]

Yeah geez Cyn, enquiring minds need to know what went on at the meeting, God knows I didn't have a clue.;;

Well, start dreaming up topics to discuss, I will discuss anything.

Oh God, here we go with the kids, cooking and gardening discussions again, Just kidding look forward to Cynthia's post on the notes, and yes inquiring minds want to know, what's a mind

[charlie]

Last but not least, I am looking for an ID on this acro, the 100mm macro strikes again

Kim, I am going to send these pics to Kevin Pockell and maybe we can get a better ID on this thing.

Kim,
Kevin got back to me this morning with a tentative ID: Acropora Kirstyae

[cdearing]

First, my pix from the meeting:

36G
Nicely behaved members during meeting
Great spread of food
Kim's kitty
View out the back door

Attachment 13521Attachment 13522Attachment 13523Attachment 13524Attachment 13525

We discussed the 6:1 of Baking Soda and Washing Soda. For smaller tanks, you can use 3:1 or 1 teaspoon of BS to 1/2 tsp WS. Use a measuring spoon and mix in a container before adding the solution to your sump, preferably, or your display. Kevin, our chemist, says not to mix the BS and WS together, as in a holding vessel for use at a later date since it could cause some chemical disaster. Just add them as you use them. Also, make sure you mix with RO/DI water before adding. Do not add dry chemicals directly to your sump or DT as this could damage your pumps. Some people dose every day depending on their needs. I don't dose every day since I don't have such large PH swings. Just make sure that you check your PH in the AM and again in the PM to see what your average PH is. It will be higher during the day after your lights have been on and lower at night. When you add the solution, if you use a PH probe, you will be able to see a change in your PH in as little as a minute or two. Those of us with sumps keep our DT lights on during the day and then light our sumps at night to try to even out the PH swings since algae gives off CO2 at night and O during the day. Also keep in mind that most PH test kits are designed for use at a certain temperature so if that temp is 75 and your tank is at 78, your reading may not be accurate.

Another member in our group has been keeping saltwater reef tanks for over 20 years and rarely tests her water. She says that 2 different brands of tests will give her 2 different readings. She just watches her inhabitants and if they look healthy then everything is good. She does add CA, Strontium, Iodine and Magnesium every week. Her tanks are beautiful and healthy. Other members test weekly or monthly so it seems that you just need to find a process that works well for your tank and stick with that.

If I missed something or got something wrong, I know you'll add and correct me!

Rob, we missed you!

Cynthia

There were many other discussions that went on but seeing as how this was my first time taking notes, , this was about as much as I took down.

[kamar]

Thanks for offering to do that Charlie - I am kind of curious as to what that coral is since I got a small 1" stick of it about two years ago and no other information. I actually kind of expected it to die in my care! I'll try what you suggested too, and put a frag of it lower in the tank to see if it changes color. I think you're right - the light may be a little intense in there so I changed out a bulb to tone it down. The plating coral was really pale and I think it was starting to bleach out.

Thank you everyone for coming over - it was a great meeting. My humble little 36 is extremely small and simple comparatively, but it's my pride and joy and it was a pleasure sharing it with you. You're all light years ahead of me in terms of knowledge and experience, but I am determined to continue to learn, and try not to make too many mistakes along the way.

Kim

[kamar]

Kim,
Kevin got back to me this morning with a tentative ID: Acropora Kirstyae

Oh wow - I should've probably checked the thread first - an ID already! Cool, thanks Charlie!

[charlie]

Kim, let me start this off by saying that Cynthia and I are so lucky to be in charge of a bunch of members that can at least open up a book, or a page on the internet, and READ. It seems that some of our prior members hadn't passed a second grade reading class.

Oops, was that a bit harsh?

Let me correct you in one thing if I may.
We are not light years ahead of you as far as knowledge goes, if I remember correctly, the first time I met you you told me that you had researched everything that you have done on this system, and whether it is small or not, it is the fact that you took the time to do that research. It shows through your system. Smaller tanks are historically tougher to maintain because of the lack of water volume and when changes occur, they are quick, and usually deadly. The fact that yours is 2 years old is a testament to your dedication and RESEARCH.

Sorry, got a little carried away:eek3::eek3::eek3:

Thanks again for having us over, and the chicken leftovers will finally disappear tomorrow at lunch.

[kamar]

Kim, Thanks for hosting our meeting and going to all the trouble to fix us that fancy meal! It was delicous. I hope your husband didn't have to drive around the block too many times, waiting for the driveway to clear out.

I'm glad you liked it! Oh, and not to worry about Mark - he was long gone until early Monday morning so no worries.

I got busy testing all my parameters this morning. It's been awhile!
Cyn

Yup, I broke out the test kits too, esp since I'm fighting back my first hair algae outbreak since setting up the tank. I suspected maybe some detectable phosphates, but there weren't any. The algae is dying back though, and on the upside, the flame is having a good time picking at it while it lasts.

Oh, and my beautiful pink leather decided to come out of it's snit today and open up nice and pretty - of course I saw it was in the process of shedding, and finally did it yesterday. Wish you could've seen it. I think yours is just like it.

[kamar]

Let me correct you in one thing if I may.
We are not light years ahead of you as far as knowledge goes, if I remember correctly, the first time I met you you told me that you had researched everything that you have done on this system, and whether it is small or not, it is the fact that you took the time to do that research. It shows through your system. Smaller tanks are historically tougher to maintain because of the lack of water volume and when changes occur, they are quick, and usually deadly. The fact that yours is 2 years old is a testament to your dedication and RESEARCH.

Sorry, got a little carried away:eek3::eek3::eek3:

Thanks for the kind words Charlie - even though your system is still completely overwhelming and scares the bejeesus out of me! I'm glad you know where all of that PVC goes. Actually the research has become half the fun - then the acquisition is the icing on the cake.

Yup, I've had chicken myself for lunch and dinner the past couple of days. Think I made a little too much?

[kamar]

I shot this picture of the sunrise this morning over the mountains - thought someone might enjoy it. Lovin' the sunshine!

[charlie]

Great pic Kim, and yes, the sunshine is kinda nice, isn't it.

[cdearing]

Wow! What a gorgeous shot Kim!
That's okay about the leather. Mine does it all the time. Mine's getting ready to drop another finger on the sand. Will have to find a taker for that.

[charlie]

Wow! What a gorgeous shot Kim!
That's okay about the leather. Mine does it all the time. Mine's getting ready to drop another finger on the sand. Will have to find a taker for that.

Darn near makes ya feel bad about living in the trees don't it Cyn??

[cdearing]

Damn near but then I like my privacy too. It's a compromise, right?

[charlie]

I feel the same as you!!!!!!! I can barely see the road in the summer time.

[Parrothead]

I shot this picture of the sunrise this morning over the mountains - thought someone might enjoy it. Lovin' the sunshine!

God, I hate florida

Beautiful Picture

Thank you all for sharing your meeting with us, I like the notes Cynthia posted, thank you

And that 36 gallon tank is very, very nice.

Again, Thanks to all of you for sharing

[charlie]

Sharing is what we do best.:eek3::eek3: