OMAS tank

[quaz]

I thought I'd start a new thread for this little project. the last one was getting lengthy.

Let's put the rest of our ideas and planning on this thread.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Should we get really detailed with this? I don't want to take over, but for our sakes, maybe we should start off with a little organization. I'll take a stab but feel free to edit, change, or throw it all out

Dry Goods

Fish

Invertabrates

Coral

Cleanup Crew

Misc

Also, would we want to make a little booklet or pamphlet to place beside the aquarium to inform everyone that is interested what is in the tank? The best way to educate people out of the Dori and Nemo phase is to educate them

[quaz]

keep it coming... that sounds good... so are you going to donate your 125gal tank?

[Travis L. Stevens]

I thought about it. Seriously, I did. But the thought of trading it down to that dreamy 54g BF is all too tempting.

[Travis L. Stevens]

I just thought that I would go ahead and get the ball rolling on some sort of plan. There is more than one way to skin a cat, so the options listed are for changing and discussion as well as addition

Dry Goods
Tank (size? I vote 75g to 120g)
Stand (Custom or Pre-Made)
Canopy (Custom or Pre-Made?)
Sump (Custom or Pre-Made?)
Refugium (Custom, Pre-Made, or In-Sump?)

Fish
If tank is large enough and established, a Mandarin or Dragonet (Many species to choose from)
Lawnmower Blenny
Sand Sifting Goby (many species to choose from)
Blue/Green Chromis

Invertabrates
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Coral
Zoanthids
Mushrooms (and other related species such as yuma or rhodactis)
Xenia
Star Polyps
Leather/Toadstool
Kenya Tree/Colt Coral
Low Maintenance LPS (Euphyllia species, possibly fungia or heliofungia species, acanthastrea species, Lobophyllia or trachyphyllia speceis, etc)
Easy SPS (Montipora digitata, possibly Montipora capricornus, hydnophora, etc)

Cleanup Crew
Snails
Hermit Crabs (with caution)

Misc
Live Rock
Live Sand

I just through some stuff up there really. The reason I chose those fish are because they pretty much fend for themselves. Things like Diamond Watchman Gobies can get food from the substrate, Mandarins/Dragonets are copepod hunters, Lawnmower Blennies are skimpy algae eaters (unlike the veggie muncher tangs), Blue/Green Chromis are peaceful schooling fish that are almost always out in the open and are cheap and easy to take care of.

The choice in corals will be the thing that I think will take the most planning. Since most of these animals take nutrients from the water, that means we might have to add supplementation over time, and this could cause more trouble than it might be worth. Toning down the SPS and LPS would be key. Keeping soft corals would be easier and also require lower light which means a lower energy bill. I worry about putting things like Xenia and Star Polyps in the tank because they can quickly become an invasive pest coral. But then again, if we sell frags out of the tank for funding, then this could be a bonus because of their high growth rate.

The choice for the skunk cleaner shrimp was just thrown in there because of the special bond that they can make with other fish in their cleaning station. It always makes for something fun to watch for adults and children alike.

As for the cleanup crew, it might be more beneficial to add a variety of snails in the tank over a snail/hermit mix. Because hermits are known to occassionally dine on snails. This would decrease the power of a cleanup crew over a lengthy period of time. But then again, hermits seems to have a real knack for quickly picking clean dead bodies and the rock work. All the snails I have noticed dont pay much attention to the rocks

Concerning our aquascaping, should we go 100% LR, rock donations from people's tanks, base rock and live rock mix, DIY rocks, or something else?

[predatorpassion]

you forgot a fish..... no not an angler.... but my favorite (by far) peaceful fish...





































JAWFISH!!!!!!!!

[quaz]

What'd you say about skinning a cat.

[oddballs]

i like the passion behind this kind of thinking but i think we are a bit ahead of ourselves !Question one has anyone called the retirement home we discussed?I think alien spawn was gonna stop by for us to find out if we could maybe help or takeover their tank. This is one of our mane issues of importance so we either find out and can or if we cant we will have to find a new place to do this!As far as the creatures we put in it i think all the members will have suggestions and then we can decide on that.Im thinking it would be neat to try an maybe replicate a certain are of a reef and try to make it as close to that area in animals inverts and plants this is only a idea im open for whatever everyone else wants as far as travis and ben helping keep track of everything and helping keep us all informed i think its great thanks guys!so ill try to get ahold of alien spawn and find out whats going on!

[Travis L. Stevens]

Of course getting a location and a place to keep a tank at is the utmost importance here, but Im afraid Im a little "out of the loop" since Im in Stillwater. So, I took it to the next probable step. As for making a slice of reef, that would be great. Obviously, Carribean is most likely out of the question, but I have seen some very nice Red Sea displays. I can't wait for the next meeting to discuss this with everyone.

[jjmcat]

I go by most of the nursing homes and hospitals each month and most of them are under contract.I know for a fact st. simmions is, they have three tanks.I will try to see if i can find 1 who isnt.The problem with nursing homes is that sometimes one company will own several of them we have to find one that is owned here in town.

my 2 cents JARROD

[oddballs]

thanks jerod thaty would really be a big help!you can let them no this will all be free all they provide is the electricity.

[predatorpassion]

off the topic but scott changed his avatar...............again :D

[quaz]

Let's try not to encroach in an any local company in town, it may be one of us. If it would bennifit any one to take over a currently up and running tank would be nice. Keep us informed Jerod.

I think a specific biotope would be cool but if we are going to be donating random frags that won't work very well unless a desired coral list is put up and we can donate if we have that coral or fish or type of rock. It may be best for quite a bit of cash donations so that one of use who can get wholesale can get what ever we need. All used equipment, I'm sure will be very bennificial.

Jerod since you're the medical equipment guy and you visit a lot of ficilities let us know if you talk to any of the doctors or office managers that seem interested if they do or don't already have a tank.

I'll keep an eye open for possible locations as well.

[quaz]

post #100. I'm going to find a new avator. Damn the little worm.

[predatorpassion]

hehehe :lol: :lol: :lol:

[AlienSpawn]

I will try to contact St. Simeons to be sure unless jjmcat can verify that they are under contract before then. Was not able to go to Cancer Treatment Centers last weekend, but I will try again.

[beakfreak]

a certain biotype.... I know a few that would be pretty cool.... Well definately indo-pacific with all the corals... but what I notice is the fish that most people like are from the caribbean ( I may be wrong) now this might be out of the question but what about a maybe colder water setup... (saves some money) wait no it doesn't........ whatever.... well like a kelpforest tank look.... but it would look cool....

[quaz]

How about a lobster tank. We could take over the one at red lobster. We could put in one of those big yellow cold water damsels gerabaldi or something. and catalina gobies. Just kidding.

a carribean biotope wouldn't be hard. I like the idea of an info book or sheet next to the tank too.

[keckles]

Originally posted by quaz
a carribean biotope wouldn't be hard.

Except for the fact that the most desirable areas are strictly guarded by the government and illegal to collect from. I guess we could just fill it with live rock and mantis shrimp from TBS. ;)

[predatorpassion]

yeah... if anybody wanted to do a kelp forest the problem would be harvesting the kelp because it grows FAST... but I am sure you guys would want to do reef...

[oddballs]

its probably going to be easiest to do a mixed tank of corals and fish from allover if not then it will be tough to decide on a certain one and it will be cheaper this way because we can donate most of the corals!maybe mr cat or mr spawn will have info on a place soon!

[quaz]

I talked to one of the owners of the new heart hospital on 91st and 169 and she said that he thinks it'd be a great idea and she'll bring it up to the CEO and let me know.

[AlienSpawn]

I e-mailed Saint Simeons but they haven't returned yet. I will keep trying.

[AlienSpawn]

Okay, here is the deal with Saint Simeons. I talked to the person in charge of the fish tanks there for a long time. She was VERY interested in our idea. She especially liked the idea about having a display next to it with information about the tank inhabitants and learning materials. They are in the process of replacing one of the tanks with an in-wall custom tank. Here is the problem...they are under contract. She seemed a little perplexed though because the tanks they have now lack color and interest they have seen in other tanks around town. She is going to take the idea to a meeting Tuesday and get some feedback from other people there. I don't want to cause a problem for the person taking care of them so I am not sure how to pursue this. I am supposed to talk to her later this week so I need some feedback from you guys on what you think, or should we drop the Saint Simeons idea and look for somewhere else. I would be happy to be the OMAS liason for this negotiation if you wish to pursue it but I need to know what you ALL think. Let me know.

[EWest]

I've briefly read this thread, however, I need someone to update George and myself at the August meeting on -all- of this. Travis, you may be the best person to do this...be sure to grab me at the next meeting (I get swamped with Q&A, so interupt whenever you can).

Most importantly, don't make any promises to anyone that this will happen. Much discussion needs to happen (face-to-face) among ourselves prior to anything else.

Thanks,
Eric

[oddballs]

thanks brian for the help and info!we will discuss this further at the meeting but there are still alot of small things to get worked out but i think this will end up being a cool thing for omas!

[jkbeims]

why not put the omas tank at cowboy sharkies. that would give some of those who had complained about his tanks a chance to be in there and help with the problem.
:D just kidding Im just being a BUtthead.
He does however want to get rid of one of his big tanks.
for pretty cheap.

[quaz]

Check this out. Food for thought. http://www.padifoundation.org/Recipients/Recipient04.htm

[predatorpassion]

how big is his "big tank" just curious...

[jkbeims]

he has several he wants to get rid of. a couple of 70ish gallons
and a 200 gallon I think
quaz how big is the first one on the right with all the corals in it.
not the empty one immediastly to the right but the the when just to the right of the hostess station

[quaz]

that's a 125 I think. It'll need a new stand and canopy. it needs help bad. That'd be a good rescue project

[jkbeims]

it is a 125 gallon.
he is looking at getting rid of it for pretty cheap considering all the stuff he has in it. i thought about doing it but I cant afford it.

[quaz]

Man, for a good cause I bet he'd donate it. I don't know though. It'd be a great start.

[jkbeims]

I doubt it.
according to Robert it has nearly $1500 worth of Coral in it,
I just dont see him donating it. I wasnt suggesting it as the OMAS tank I just thought Predator was interested in a big tank for himself,
he might think of donating one of his smaller tanks though?
I can ask him if needed

[predatorpassion]

yeah I was interested but we are looking at a 180-220 size range...

[jkbeims]

I talked to Robert Tonight.
He wpold donate the tank but only after its empty.
it needs a stand and a hood but its a big tank so if we are interested lemme know.

[quaz]

CORAL SALE! last one to cowboy sharkies is a rotten egg.

Is that what he means by "only when it's empty"? He had talked to UR about some sort of consignment but most of the pieces in there are large collony coral that won't fit easily into the tanks we sell coral out of. So I guess that means that it's all up for grabs. He'll want a fair offer, I'm sure though.

[jkbeims]

he will sell the stuff in it for as you say "fair offers"

[AlienSpawn]

Well the person at Saint Simeons called me again. I told her we were going to discuss it at the meeting but it didn't seem to come up, at least while I was there. She seems eager for us to be involved although I am not sure to what degree. She said the person taking care of the tanks there would be willing to let us contribute without being a problem. A LOT of details would have to be worked out but it does seem to have some potential if anyone is still interested in this idea. Seems like the idea is not taking much root so if we are pretty sure we are not going to go this direction I would like to know so I can let them know too. If there are any questions I have alot more detail about the situation so PM me or something.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Are there any updates? New ideas?

[AlienSpawn]

its like the thread kindof died, huh?

[Travis L. Stevens]

yup. Im still for it though

[quaz]

Hopefully this isn't an indication of what would happen to enthusiasm if there was a tank set up

[Travis L. Stevens]

That's what I am most worried about. The only bad part is we kind of are at a stand still. It wasn't brought up at the meeting last time, but hopefully will this time. Maybe then we can start moving it back along.

[AlienSpawn]

True. If the idea loses enthusiasm before it actually materializes, it is certainly not a good indication of things to come. Better to find that out before any real time or expense or commitment was put into it. I agree that it is still a good idea though and if anyone wants to look into it more I would be happy to discuss it.

[oddballs]

i think we should look at a different local one that omas can have full control over!its hard to just get all of us together let alone 2 groups of people that dont even know each other ?any one agree?

[predatorpassion]

me I guess....

[AlienSpawn]

sounds fine....any ideas?

[jjmcat]

??????????????????????????????????????

Are we still going to do this or not?Why are we still draging our feet?

[jjmcat]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=720235

[jjmcat]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=726293

[GLD]

who will take care of it?

[jjmcat]

We all can.

[GLD]

It will require MUCH commitment and time, probably more than a club that meets for fun can or will provide.

I love the idea but only if at least five people provide a serious and binding commitment to the project. Hope this doesn't sound harsh; just trying to be realistic.

Thanks,
George

[Travis L. Stevens]

I still think that some SERIOUS planning will need to be involved. It would have to be something that can take care of itself in case something happened. It would definitely need some sort of auto top off. It would have to be drilled. Timers, timers, timers. Lower lighting for a cheap budget and no heat issues. Specific coral and fish selection. You would need corals that didn't require much care and fish that can pretty much live without being fed.

[jjmcat]

OK,We have been going at this for almost a year and yet nothing has been done.I just thought it would be nice to have our club represented in some way.As far as all the auto this and drill that I thought we could have a simple tank with a few softies and a couple of fish.Maybe a couple of no lights and a hob filter.

[GLD]

Jimcat,

I certainly am game but I don't think that a sufficient number of club members are. It will take a lot of work and will burn out the OMAS team if only one or two of us are involved.

THanks,
George

[jjmcat]

Well when we do get a tank count me in.

[GLD]

You are counted, and your enthusiasm for the project means that you actually count as TWO !!

[quaz]

If I get anyway to get a free or cheap tank I'd take responsibility for it but would still need the help to maintain and stock and generally care for it by another or a few club members. I think a library or maybe several public places would mind having a free tank.

[scott0615]

I'll post it again....I have already negotiated a free tank and stand with a manufacturer - - OMAS needs to provide labor and commit the time necessary to maintain it. Jarrod - to date I believe you are the only one interested or that has responded. I think it would be a great project/marketing tool for the club -- OMAS just needs more people involved [not the kind of people that flake out when their feet are held to the fire]. Hey - how are the TShirts coming along??? Sorry about that - smartass is just in my nature.

[jjmcat]

Hey - how are the TShirts coming along??? Sorry about that - smartass is just in my nature. [/B][/QUOTE]


Yes we all know and agree:D

[AlienSpawn]

Tell me more about this free tank Scott. Does it have a hood? I might be able to donate one if not. Let me know...

[scott0615]

AllGlass 55 Combo - basic flo strip lights and pine stand.

[AlienSpawn]

If somebody could donate some VHO's or other good lights I might be able to make a hood to match. I have made several.

[SoonerReefer]

Im willing to help set up and maintain it,I have the equipment for water changes and and all the stuff to check Nitates,Ph,Phosphates,ETC. Let me know


Donny

[oddballs]

if it is not to far of a drive from our central local me and jena will donate time,dry goods,fish,corals and inverts to the tank . ive got about three 55 gallons at my house just sitting and if we want something smaller ive got about 10 other smaller tanks that could be used.we so far have mr m cat,cichlid 67,quaz,and the oddballs,offering up time so i think this can work . brian how about that canopy?so it does not ad pressure to the officials we could just put 1 or 2 other people in charge of it so they arent burdoned with more stuff!!lets do this!!

[Travis L. Stevens]

With me being in Stillwater and sporadically in Tulsa, I can't commit to a set schedule or time. But any time I'm in Tulsa, I'm more than happy to help.