MAAST February Meeting - Sunday the 16th [Archive]

Troy Valentine

Tue, 21st Jan 2003, 10:41 PM

Hello everyone

Well the next meeting is two weeks away and it is time to get down to the details of it. Lets plan on having the meeting at 2:00, this should give us enough time to cover most everything and anything needed, so we can get back home at a reasonable time, and know one will have a price to pay the price the next day. :zzz2: I know that I am being nieve to think that this meeting will end at a reasonable time. I have found that reefers like me tend to be a little long winded :oops: so feel free to stay as long as you like, for I am off on Monday, and I enjoy the company.

What to cover at the meeting?

Creating your own fish/coral food (we will make it, and test it)
Acrylic work shop
Frag swapping
Additive experience (Calcium,Iodine,Buffers ect.)
Light comparison (I only own 10k,6500k, and 20k bulbs if anyone has any other bulbs that are 400watt please bring them over.)

These seem to be the most popular Ideas. I would like to get everyones opinion on each, If we can narrow it down to 4 that will allow us 30 to 45minutes on each topic.

MY address is 9219 Chaddsford, and refer to Chris's map that he posted, because I haven't figured out how to put it on my posting yet.. :oops:

I will update this post in about a week with any new detail that may arise.... ;)

z28pwr

Tue, 21st Jan 2003, 10:49 PM

Sounds Good Troy.

BTW: You still want those 6FT coral tray's ?

Troy Valentine

Tue, 21st Jan 2003, 10:59 PM

Yes I would love to have those trays Z28pwr. 8)

I live at 9219 Chaddsford, it is in the Hills portion of NW Crossing.
I thought I would leave the activities up to the members. I am game for what ever you guys want to do. Maybe we can talk Tim into comming again with some corals.

captexas

Tue, 21st Jan 2003, 11:03 PM

LOL, sounds like I live on the wrong side of town, need to move over closer to you guys! Maybe we could all move to one piece of land and start a MAAST commune for marine aquarist addicts! :beer:

But seriously, after the huge coral trade this last meeting, I think it would be good to find something else to do/talk about. Give people some time to recover and let their new frags grow a little. As I am new to the reef aspect of things, I would like to find out more about what people are using as supplements, calcium and buffering processes/setups, feeding, and stuff like that. Basically what it takes other than bright lights to keep our corals happy.

This is just an idea of course. We could still have a frag swap after the meeting if people wanted to.

Troy Valentine

Tue, 21st Jan 2003, 11:08 PM

That is a great Idea CAP. I think if we have a turn out like we did last time we could easily do both. I would be glad to share what I know about reef products and hopfully others will be willing to share. I figure the goal of any forum is to learn from others mistakes, so they are not repeated, and the members will all become better reefers because of it.

captexas

Tue, 21st Jan 2003, 11:15 PM

Troy -
That's exactly what I think. Hopefully others will be interested in that. From the feel I got at the meeting, I think there may be many more out there that are new and would be interested in it.

Josh -
Don't give into the dark side! Vihnster can wait, he needs to pay off his credit cards anyways! :-D I think if you wait a little while you will get more people interested in going in on an order. I can wait and order my fish till that time and maybe by then I can spend a little more on some corals too.

matt

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 12:51 AM

Hey Troy;

Way to go! I couldn't stay for most of the last meeting, but I enjoyed meeting a few of you. I imagine the frag workshop was a blast. One topic I'd like to suggest is a DIY "show and tell" sort of thing. I would really like to see and discuss surge devices, refugium/sump design, skimmer and calcium reactor designs, etc...

Yep, we're geeks

Matt

dow

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 01:00 AM

Troy,

Sounds like the February meeting will be a blast. One thing I'm interested in is an acrylic workshop. I'd like to learn how to work with it and maybe build a refugium or something like that.

Matt -

You're right, we are geeks.

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. Resistance is......

Troy Valentine

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 02:00 AM

Great ideas guys!

I've got 4 or 5 different sections where we can do different things, so if you don't want to frag, just leave that section of the house, and go to another section, where they might be teaching DIY projects or acrylic construction.
So everyone continue to present ideas and don't hold back ;)

Jeff Post

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 09:05 AM

I like the idea of a meeting where we discuss all of the suppplements necessary to keep a reef with hard corals and clams healthy. It would also be great if some people could share their knowledge on how to set the tank up so that maintenace time and cost can be minimized.

I am also interested in a meeting on building things with plexiglass but would not want to have both of these subjects adderssed in the same meeting. If we have discussions going on concurrently those of us that need to be involved in both areas will not be able to participate fully. We also need to make sure that we do not schedule more than can be covered in a 2 hour meeting.

dow

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 09:46 AM

Good Point, Jeff. Maybe it would be better to limit the subject matter so that we don't miss anything. Hmmm... Something to think about.

Tim Marvin

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 02:04 PM

Joshua, I am pretty good friends with Jim and I can tell you for a fact he won't welcome you every weekend. Jim has his priorities straight,(unlike most of us) and though he loves reef keeping he also loves his family. Jim also works alot and his time is very valuable. You had better check with him before offering.....LOL..... On another note Jim and I are working on some ideas about CHERRY PICKING at the wholesalers. If things work out we may start flying out once a month and getting the best of what the wholesalers have to offer. Jim is also a dealer for instant algea which is a much better form of algea concentrate for feeding corals. Sorta like DT'S on steroids! He is getting a special formula designed for SPS and clams. This product will be available soon. I am going to have my web page back up and we will be offering these products and many more.

Derek B

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 02:27 PM

I am interested in having the meeting focused on water health/chemistry and the different equipment and additives employed by different people and their pros and cons. In other words, just a knowledge sharing forum on the topic. I think it will be a great way to get new insight and ideas.

Tim, I agree that Jim wouldn't welcome visitors every weekend b/c neither would I, but I don't think Josh was being serious. I have found that if you shoot him an email, he will let you know when a good time is. He has always been very gracious the couple of times I have come to see him.

Troy Valentine

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 02:47 PM

Everybody mark your calenders, tell your wifes'/husbands' that the 16th of February will be the next MAAST meeting.

Josh, why would you buy sps from anyone other than Tim, It is nice to know that you can travel a couple of hours, and get the hand picked of the hand picked, without worring what the coral is going to look like when you get it. Besides that, Tim is a great guy who is full of knowledge, I for one would rather give him my money than some stroke I've never met before.

Derek B

Wed, 22nd Jan 2003, 03:46 PM

Why don't we lay off Josh a bit. He was just throwing out an idea. Nobody was saying that Tim doesn't have nice stuff at good prices. Josh would just like to place an order of his own and was asking if anyone wanted to tag along. Simple as that. Besides, it would be nice to have someone in SA who could provide some stuff at good prices.

Tim Marvin

Thu, 23rd Jan 2003, 01:37 AM

I know you were joking nobody wants to drive up here every weekend...

Tim Marvin

Thu, 23rd Jan 2003, 01:46 AM

Hey Josh, I have an extra 150 gallon tub if you want to set up in your garage. Then we can do some ordering together and get a larger volume of corals to pick from. All it would need is some light, an auto top off, kalk drip, and a pump. We could probably set it up for less than $500. These systems almost run by themselves.

newtosa

Thu, 23rd Jan 2003, 10:11 AM

Tim and Josh,

I'll be glad to spend a few hours helping set this dude up. Part of my motive is selfish - I want to do something similar for marine (true) plants and macroalgaes, and I could stand to learn from you two.

Let me know if you decide to go this route.

Dean

Tim Marvin

Thu, 23rd Jan 2003, 10:22 PM

You probably won't need a chiller, just a good shop fan to cause evaporation. I use one of the big orange ones from home depot and it can keep the water 10 degrees cooler. You need it plumbed directly into an ro unit though for constant top off with a float valve. It can evaporate probably 5-10 gallons a day.

Chris

Thu, 30th Jan 2003, 02:10 AM

Well.... lets get this thread back on topic. And Troy was only suggesting that we should support Tim whenever possible especially with all the nice deals he's given us. Thanks Tim! :grin:

Troy if you could edit your post and add a time and maybe link to the yahoo map below.. it would help so everyone can see it upfront.

Here's a map, be sure to plan out your route or print a copy so you don't get lost! Yahoo Maps (http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?BFCat=&Pyt=Tmap&newFL=Use+Address+Below&ad dr=9219+Chaddsford&csz=san+antonio%2C+tx&Country=u s&Get%A0Map=Get+Map)

http://www.maast.org/Troy4.gif

http://www.maast.org/Troy3.gif

http://www.maast.org/Troy2.gif

http://www.maast.org/Troy1.gif

Jimnorris

Thu, 30th Jan 2003, 04:31 PM

What time does this meeting start?
Jim

Derek B

Thu, 30th Jan 2003, 04:35 PM

Hey Jim, the last one started at 4 pm, so I imagine this one will probably be around the same time.

OrionN

Fri, 31st Jan 2003, 11:19 PM

We should start earlier like 12:00. It is easier for folks who live a long way away.
Minh

dow

Fri, 31st Jan 2003, 11:25 PM

Not sure about 12:00, but definitely earlier than last time. Maybe 1:30-2:00?

captexas

Sun, 2nd Feb 2003, 02:12 PM

I agree we should start earlier as it would be nice to get home to wind down from the meeting and be ready for work Monday morning. Of course I don't expect this meeting to be nearly as long as the last one, but who knows. Really Troy and his wife need to have input on the start time as it is thier house we will be invading :-D

Also, as it is only two weeks away, I think we need to pic a topic(s) for the meeting as well. I know myself and others have expressed interest in discussing reef supplements and equipment such as kalkwasser, calcium reactors, and etc. Not so much as what company makes the best ones, but different ways people use/dose things and what results they get. Simple ways to do things for those that don't have the expensive dosers or reactors.

I know there is also interest in learning about acrylic fabrication tips from Tim and others that have experience. I think this could probably make for an entire meeting as it will take up some time and we will definately need more room so everyone can see what's going on.

Another topic that could be discussed that I know Troy is interested in and has recently played with is making your own food for your livestock. He recently made some and has had success with it. He gave me a sample to try and my fish like it. From what Troy says, it's a hell of a lot cheaper than buying stuff at the LFS. I'm sure there are others out there that have their own recipes they might want to share as well.

Everyone give there input so we can nail something down and everyone that is going to be involved can be prepared. Also if people are still interested in frag swapping, I think time could be made at the end of the meeting after everything else is wrapped up.

djdubdub

Wed, 5th Feb 2003, 10:25 PM

Hey Troy... Plans sound good... Only one minor problem (at least for my wife and I (and any other NASCAR nuts that might be out there)) February 16th is the SuperBowl of racing... The Daytona 500...

I would love to come... Just would like to know how "late" these meets usually last... Thanks

captexas

Wed, 5th Feb 2003, 10:36 PM

Hey DJ - thanks for the info. I didn't know for sure when Nascar was starting up, but I have been eagerly awaiting it! I've been sniffing skid marks on the road as I'm getting withdrawels! LOL :-D

Troy - You might have to leave the tv on so we can keep one eye on the race and one on the meeting!

Chris

Wed, 5th Feb 2003, 10:41 PM

You're welcome to leave early if you like.

Considering this is meeting #4... there really is no set time as to how long they last. Our last meetings have been around 2-3 hours give or take.

Time flies when we're having fun talking about our tanks. :grin:

captexas

Wed, 5th Feb 2003, 10:47 PM

Yes I know. The last meeting I missed the NFL conference playoff games. This meeting I will miss my Nascar.

The things we do for our hobby :confused:

Troy Valentine

Thu, 6th Feb 2003, 08:32 AM

I am glad someone address the point about Daytona being on, I wasn't going to say anything until someone brought it up. That being said... Hell ya :P I am going to be watching Daytona during the meeting. I also plan on having plenty of sitting room infront on the TV, but just save me a spot! :-D Come anytime you want and leave anytime you want. ;)

Henry

Fri, 7th Feb 2003, 05:03 AM

Just an idea, i have a friend who is an electrical engineer. If anyone has any ?'s he is more that willing to help out. he is also willing to attend the meeting if there is enough interest. Please let me know and i can bring him along. he may be albe to help out on those bills. or a diy project. thanks :D

Henry

z28pwr

Fri, 7th Feb 2003, 05:50 PM

Another topic that could be discussed that I know Troy is interested in and has recently played with is making your own food for your livestock. He recently made some and has had success with it. He gave me a sample to try and my fish like it. From what Troy says, it's a hell of a lot cheaper than buying stuff at the LFS. I'm sure there are others out there that have their own recipes they might want to share as well.

I'd be interested in this.

Troy Valentine

Mon, 10th Feb 2003, 03:41 AM

You've got it. we plan on preparing a lot of food so that everyone can take some home with them, and hopefully you guys can give your opinion of it on the forum.

Are any of you guys planning on bringing any frags, to be sold or to swap with other members?

RedDragon

Mon, 10th Feb 2003, 02:14 PM

Hey out there I have a small problem I live in Austin and don't have a ride over to SA. :oops: Is there an austin group member that is going, that would be of so kind as to maybe give me a ride to cheek out my first meeting. :fishslap:

Thanks,
Jaime :-D

RedDragon

Mon, 10th Feb 2003, 02:15 PM

z28pwr

Mon, 10th Feb 2003, 04:00 PM

Troy, do you want to get a head count of how many people are interested in the fish food and have them send you money so that you can buy the food ?

Troy Valentine

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 09:15 AM

Good Idea Jose--

How many of you are interested in a food sample for your aquarium?
I plan on making 2 types; 1 for corals and fish, and the other for fish only.
Please specify which one you might be interested in.... ;)

Thank you

z28pwr

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 10:07 AM

I'd like a fish only sample.

ziggyrocket

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 12:24 PM

I am interested in a Fish/coral sample.
Thanks,
Jeremy

newtosa

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 07:53 PM

Troy,

Glad we're doing this. I'm in for a fish / coral sample. Will bring cash.

Thanks,
Dean

Jimnorris

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 09:07 PM

Jaime,
Where are you in Austin??? I plan on coming. I am in Round Rock. I think Tim is coming over to my house then we will shoot down the 35 to Ben White to pick up JD52 (Jim) and come on down to the meeting. You are welcome to come with us????
If YOU ALL are interested in March I can have one heck of a CLAM meeting.
Minh I know for a fact my gigas is now bigger than yours!!!!
Jim

Triggerman

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 09:59 PM

hey jim,

i was interested in getting a bottle of your coral and clam diet. since you're coming to the meeting are you going to be able to bring a bottle. i was going todo a DTs order for a few people on the forum last month but when i found out about the stuff you were coming out with i decided to hold off on the DTs and give yours a try instead. sounds like you've had good success with it. let me know what the price would be. there might be a few others around here interested as well.

ray

REEFAHOLIC

Tue, 11th Feb 2003, 10:49 PM

I'd like a coral/fish ration

Jeff Post

Wed, 12th Feb 2003, 07:53 AM

I would like coral/fish.

Brett Wilson

Wed, 12th Feb 2003, 09:40 AM

Jim/Tim,

Do you have room for one more?
:)

-Brett

Jimnorris

Wed, 12th Feb 2003, 10:24 AM

Triggerman,
Yes I will bring some clam and coral diet to the meeting. $19.00 abottle since I do not have to ship it!
Turbo Jamie is coming with us too. I will make room for you!
Jim

Brett Wilson

Wed, 12th Feb 2003, 10:32 AM

Are you making fun of my name Jim? ;) haha

Get a grandnational and everything becomes turbo this and turbo that :)
Just dont let it sit in the garage too long.....

-Brett

Triggerman

Wed, 12th Feb 2003, 05:30 PM

thanks jim,

i'll take a bottle, see you at the meeting

ray

Sherri

Wed, 12th Feb 2003, 09:10 PM

I'll take a sample of the fish/coral too Troy... :rotf:

Troy Valentine

Thu, 13th Feb 2003, 12:59 AM

Attention all MAAST members attending the meeting-

As you know the meeting is only a few days away, and I need everyone to start "Brainstorming" about additives you've used or are still using, and be prepared to participate in an open disscussion at the meeting. Particular areas of intrest: Calcium, different forms, and methods of dosing, Iodine, Strontium, Magnesium, Iron, Trace Elements, Phytoplankton.... If you guys can think of anything else I might have left out feel free to write and tell everyone at the meeting. I enjoy learning about different techniques in the hobby. IMO The goal is to learn from everyones' successes or mistakes....

Bye everyone and thanks for your input....

JimD

Sat, 15th Feb 2003, 03:49 PM

Hello! First off I must say that this board is certainly a refreshing alternative to the hassles of RC! A big thanks goes out to jim norris for turning me on to it...
I wil be attending the meeting on Sunday with jim and Tim and it sunds like it'll be a great time. Im going to bring along a diy kalk reactor prototype that Ive been researching for a few weeks now, if thats ok with the sponsor. I promise not to take up too much time. Its actually a new design that I developed to mix the kalk in a type of vortex or "tornado" like fassion, I find it to be much more effective than the normal bottom dump.
Anyway, looking forwrd to the meeting!