acrylics

usually 5' and 6' lengths for most sizes IME. Also gotsta think about cast vs extruded and if cast - what wall thickness. Try not to make it too complicated else it prolly won't happen. If everyone wants 2' of a different size or type, kinda hard to justify any sort of group buy. *Generally* speaking, anything 8" diameter and above will be cast, below that can be cast or extruded. Most common wall thickness for extruded is 1/8" and for cast is 1/8" and 1/4" wall thicknesses. For cast materials, the cost difference between 1/8" and 1/4" is relatively insignificant, kinda one of those things - if you're willing to spend $30/ft for 1/8" wall, why not $34/ft for 1/4" wall. As a preliminary thought, howsabout: 6" diameter x 1/8" wall cast and/or extruded, see how response goes 8" diameter x 1/4" wall cast 10" diameter x 1/4" wall cast James

wegotjs, If you want to do a group buy on cylinders, start a thread on it in GD and we'll see how many and of what size folks want. I'll look into pricing on it. James

+ eleventy billion Time is one of those things you can't make up for in many ways, but the power of compounded returns will serve you well. 401k plans are great, esp if the company matches, choose these over IRA plans. If paid as subcontractor or self-employed, look at "solo 401k" plans (aka individual 401k). Fidelity and a coupla others offer these. On commuting; don't, but if you must - get audio books. They'll pass help pass the time, keep stress levels lower, and you'll learn something on the way. Take care of your health. From my own personal stash; budget your time as least as much as your money - it's your most important commodity. James

to add: Riding your buddies around on the handlebars or fenders of your bike Being pulled around on your skateboard, by your dog Forts & treehouses (and falling out of them) Remember sitting on Dad's lap, driving the car? Playing Cowboys & Indians with capguns Cruising on Friday and Saturday nights, jumping from car to car We didn't have microwaves either We all fell, we all cried, well all got up and did it again, it was fun I'm still trying to figure out what happened to all the time technology was supposed to save me. James

Is there an overflow in this tank? If there is an overflow, I prefer to drill at the bottom of the overflow for the drain. If there is no oveflow, then drill at the bottom and use a standpipe or drill near the top. For the returns, I prefer to drill near the top on the back panel. HTH, James

Nah, doesn't "melt down" at all, just fractures IME. Nothing to worry about, just not all that attractive James

Reefgeek, I rarely use it as acrylic has plenty of impact resistance so don't worry about it for that purpose. The only times I have used it is when a customer wants a sandshade colored barebottom tank, then I'll order it. Getting acrylic custom made for this purpose is prohibitively expensive. James

Andy, No, I'm not saying that in any way. I am saying that standard HDPE is ill-suited for boat decking (the purpose for which Starboard & Seaboard were designed), it degrades under constant UV radiation. I'm not sure how long sumberged HDPE takes to degrade nor how much UVB is actually getting to it, so I can't honestly make that assessment. Just trying to explain why a shop may suggest or "sell up" Starboard & Seaboard. There are distinct differences between plain HDPE and the Starbard/Seaboard, whether the differences are important for our purposes is subject to debate/opinion. Of course getting "sandshade" colored HDPE is not easy unless you get the one of the 2 mentioned brands above James

I'm sure West Marine does but you'll pay for it I buy mine from local distributors such as Port Plastics, Laird Plastics, etc. I don't think many actually stock it as there's not much call (here) but it is commonly stocked in the Seattle branches so when I need it, I have the distributors transfer it down for me. I usually get the Seaboard, is cheaper and there's no need to get thicker than 1/4" IMO. James

FWIW guys, Starboard & Seaboard are not *just* HDPE. They are UV stabilized HDPE, so it resists degradation due to UV radiation. It is designed and generally sold for the boating industry where it's exposed to UV on a daily basis. Because of this, they are superior products for the purpose intended and would explain a shop trying to "sell it up". If you call asking for Starboard or Seaboard, the shop is going to assume you are using for a boat, a purpose for which standard HDPE is ill-suited. James

I recommend it often as I cannot see how well a stand is made but if the platform that the tank is sitting on is flat and smooth, and the tank sits well - there's really no reasoning behind foam. I've yet to see any acrylic tank failure that could be even remotely attributable to the lack of foam and I've never used it on any of my tanks except for a thin layer of buna. I'd much rather see someone true their stand than add a layer of foam. Thant said, I can see it for temperate tanks for the insulative value. James

..moved to members forum.

Using thinner material for the sides would create for more deflection, which would require a top, so the actual cost would have been similar as their is more work involved. The primary reasons it was done this way: The need was there for a coldwater tank (requiring thicker material anyway to reduce condensation) 1" is a great insulator and would cut down on perpetual costs such as chiller run time. I had the "scrap" 1" material to make the tank and thought it was a good use for the material. Make sense? James

..maybe so but I'm still going to the show this summer, don't really care where it is - I will travel. Saw VH the first time back in the early '80s and a coupla times since. Now (hopefully) with Dave back for one more tour (pathetic as one might think), I *have* to see it For more old timer shows, Arlo Guthrie is coming back around in April. If you're old enough to remember, go see him, he put on a great show last time I saw him a few months ago. James

Tank is made from 1" with 1/2" bottom and overflow IIRC. James

Sometimes you'll receive an amendment to the citation from the court, I got a similar thing a few yrs ago. Officer simply fills out an affidavit that a date was made on the date but everything else is correct, this is perfectly legal in most courtrooms. If you do not receive the amendment, then fight it. 'course, JMO James

Try to find polycarbonate, maybe 3/8" or 1/2". It doesn't warp out as much as acrylic. FWIW, if you get acrylic, it won't matter much how thick it is - it'll still warp, hence the recommendation for polycarb James

I'd cut out the bad section and rebuild it. PVC pipe is cheap, fittings are cheap, and in the long run - a much better remedy than any "band-aid" type of fix. HTH, James

Mike, Who is the senior aquarist you have been talking with?...might know him PM me any info you care to share James

IMO It's not about legal recourse per se but rather that scammers deal best in anonymity and if this were not present and full names are able to be posted - scammers are more likely to find someplace else. This disincentive is present even if a name is never posted which is beneficial. That said, I don't think it's a major problem and I'd personally like to see it avoided by not having any limitations. James

I don't agree with limitations at all but *if* you are going to make any limitations here, make it so that only paid members can post on the selling forum. Post count is meaningless, I can be a post whore and make a 100 posts an day that don't mean squat and don't contribute anything. A paid member has every right to use all membership amenities regardless of their post count and their membership dues *do* mean something for the club. A scammer is unlikely to pay the dues just to sell here and if they do scam someone - at least (in theory) we have good contact info JMHO, James

Yep, Steve's size suggestion of 13-14" height was what I was thinking for a "touch tank". 48-60 x 24 x 13-14" would be easy and a great size for this IMHO. James

Joel, If the tank from Fly doesn't work out for ya - lemme know, we can always *find* enough material to make a tank for a cause such as this. I also have some old dry LR that you can use as base rock if you need/want, wouldn't exactly be native but... I'd also be happy to supply some plumbing supplies you will need provided we have them on the shelf, bulkheads, tees, ells, etc. There are various other items on hand as well that I would like to make available should you need them for this project, eg., Ocean Clear canister filter, various electrical supplies, timers, etc. Many parts are new and many were parts of my old tanks that I could use in the future but if there is a present need for a good cause... I also have a very good friend who works for ODFW (former curator at OR Coast Aquarium) that might know where you may collect, I could ask if you wish. please do let me know if I can help, James

pimp huh, well now *that* is a first. LOL!! Thanks for the kind words guys Well, off to Sacramento and beyond for a few days of work and relaxation. Have a good week(end). James