180Bob

Here's another, that I took. Now that Andy explained his technique, I'm lusting after his flash.

Andy: Great idea. I posted it over there too. I also know we have at least one chemist that hangs around here. Dennis, Oh Denis where are you?

I have heard it stated many times that one of the leading causes of algae outbreaks in reef aquariums is high levels of phosphates. The phosphates are imported into our systems though numerous routes. One issue that we all have is that the test kits that are typically available to us only measure the inorganic phosphate. The organo-phosphates which make up the vast majority of the phosphates in our tanks are not detected. In looking into this I ran across this article about measuring total phosphate concentrations. http://www.indiana.edu/~bradwood/eagles/phosphate.htm They basically take their water sample add a little sulphuric acid and then boil. This converts the organo-phosphates to inorganic phosphates. One question that I have for the Chemisty around is whether there are other ways to oxidize the organo phosphates? Could one bubble ozone through the sample or expose it to UV? It would be nice to have a technique to monitor total phosphates in our tanks. Bob

I test for phosphates every day. I look in my tank and look for algae. If I see algae, I know I have phosphates. I also use a test kit now and then. It never shows much, but it makes me feel better and it would tell me if I have a HUGH phosphate problem. The issue with the test kits that are available to aquarists is that they only test for the inorganic ortho-phosphates. The problem is that in our tanks most of the phostphates are bound up in organic compounds that the test kits don't measure. I've seen test methods to measure the organic phosphates, but they involve things like boiling sulphuric acid, so I have stuck with the watch the algae method mostly.

I was just wondering who made the trek to Albany this weekend to scoop up the $39 buckets of salt.

As long as you keep it in the sealed bucket to keep out moisture and air, it should last a long, long time.

Yeah, who is asleep at the wheel here?? I'm not sure, but I did enjoy that nap.

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The process to amend the constitution of the United States is: There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how to propose an amendment. One has never been used. The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment (for example, see the 21st and 22nd). The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken, and there is discussion in political science circles about just how such a convention would be convened, and what kind of changes it would bring about. Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of states. There are two ways to do this, too. The text of the amendment may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention. See the Ratification Convention Page for a discussion of the make up of a convention. Amendments are sent to the legislatures of the states by default. Only one amendment, the 21st, specified a convention. In any case, passage by the legislature or convention is by simple majority. The Constitution, then, spells out four paths for an amendment: * Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state conventions * Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state legislatures * Proposal by Congress, ratification by state conventions * Proposal by Congress, ratification by state legislatures What you will notice is that neither the President nor the Supreme Court plays any role in this amendment process.

Each state gets a number of electors equal to the number of its members in the US House of Representatives plus one for each of its two US Senators. The District of Columbia gets three electors. While state laws determine how electors are chosen, they are generally selected by political party committees within the states. This way there is somewhat of a balance between the large populace states and the smaller states. Just like the balance between the Senate where each state gets two senators and the House where representation is based on the states populartion

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l)

I got the same message when I talked to Mr S. in Albany last year. He had many more problems coming up with funds to keep tank running than he did getting the original tanks. A years operating cost can easily be equal to the initial tank cost. Maybe we should think about some kind of sustaining funding for those teachers that we award tanks to??

Kris: I think the meeting worked out very well. It was great to see Franks tank and talk with some people I hadn't seen in awhile. I also think that it was a good idea to spend a few minutes describing on going club activities. With our club so geographically spread out, any chance the officers get to give the members an update is great. The more members are informed the more they can involve themselves and the more our club will grow.

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l) m) n) o)

I agree with Joel. I too think the process should be open and well defined. Not that I think in any way that was unfair or not legitimate, but that the more open it is the more people will be come involved and help this effort grow. We might be able to get a starting idea of an application process here: http://www.masna.org/fundraiser.php It's not for donating tanks to teachers, but for student scholarship though the application process might be similar.

Thanks All: When do I get to start taking numbers off??????

Thanks All: When do I get to start taking numbers off??????

bump bump bump

All: There is a discussion going on in the members forum about potentially amending the PNWMAS club Constitution and By-Laws. Stop by and join the discussion. Bob

This is great, but I have a question. What was the process to make this decision? In looking though the threads I couldn't find a call for applications etc. I was just wondering what the process is to get a tank. Bob

How big is your new clam?

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l)

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l)