Miniwhinny

Thanks drock

Thanks Waves...my bad - I should have mentioned that these are supplemental only to back up my MH. That's why I was only looking at the smaller units and strips.

Gonna order some LED's - today hopefully (whistle) I was wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these units? I can't decide which I want lol. I'm leaning towards the reefbrites - I've read they outshine the sun (clap) I'm thinking 2 reefbrites and maybe 4 PAR38'S...any input appreciated. http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/RB-PM36-5050.html http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=22279

www.nano-reef.com (got my 40B build thread there http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=241568 ) HERE...of course !!!! and a horsey site (whistle)

Yup, we're a true desert even when it comes to LFS's. We only have one in the whole of Central Oregon ! It's on Hwy 97 opposite the movie theater.

They're awesome - but my 51 year old eyes can't focus on things that small (laugh)

Thought I'd follow up after everyone was so kind to give me so much input. I found out that THE one program that I absolutely must have has hiccups when used with a MAC and online through an iphone so after all that the choice was out of my hands. So - I sit here typing this on my new Dell Inspiron 14...holy cow this thing is FASSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTT !!!!! (clap) I'm loving it Thank you everyone.

Welcome . This is a great place. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful. We're over in Central Oregon but with a son in Eugene and Duck football tickets we feel at home in Eugene too

OKay Steelhead and Kim... Maybe once I've figured out how to turn it on (lol...I'm not quite that bad ! - just nearly !!!) Maybe a Mac would be better. Arghh, this isn't easy lol. I'll plan a trip to Portland and go check them out for myself. I guess until I try one I'll never know. ...and if I do change over I'll come back and let everyone know if the change was for the better or not.

CA2OR, thanks for offering to help. I'm not wanting to build my own and I think I've just ruled out Mac because I don't want to have to learn a new system. The computer to me is a means to an end...the end is something that will help me with my business. It's like a car...I can get from A to B in my Subie the same as hubby can in his Dodge 3500...but my Subie can't pull our 36' 5th wheel. I also don't need to know any more details than my Subie takes premium and his Dodge takes diesel . I'm ashamed to say that I'm not very computer literate...I need and "out-of-the-box" turn it on and use it machine. I'm sure both systems have a lot to offer and I appreciate everyone's input.

Well that's why I came here to ask anyone who has had both what they prefer DOH! This is only day 2 of even looking lol ! I had no idea when I came on to ask just how loyal some people are to each side...guess it's like Coke and Pepsi Me...I just want to quench my thirst lol

Thanks everyone for all of your input. I'll go to the apple store and check them out (obviously) but once again living in Central Oregon...no apple store DOH! So I guess a trip to PDX is in store (oh sweet....lots of LFS's to visit lol) The only reason we're starting to think about Macs after a family of 4 all using PC's for ever is that my Dell XPS has had nothing but problems from day one and my sons Dell's hard drive crashed last week and hubby completely lost it when he spent 2 hours talking to someone in India who he couldn't understand...that and Vista...which I HATE (wife) I guess before I look any further I need to make sure Mac can the programs I need. Thanks everyone.

I wish I knew how put up a poll lol ...what be controversial...moi? mwahhh mwahhhh (naughty)

Well you guys are no help at all!!!!!! I was confused before I posted...I wanted 50 responses all voting one over the other not a split decision (laugh)(scratch) HAHAHA.

Liveaquaria, Marinedepot and PremiumAquatics are the three I shop at for drygoods. I've never had a problem with any of them and I just check out who has the best price on the item I want. For livestock I buy WYSIWYG so there's a number of places I've bought from - just depends who has what in stock

My XPS is getting worn out so I'm starting to look around for a new computer. I've never had a macbook and was wondering if there's anyone out there who has used both (mac and PC) and which you prefer. thanks

Welcome back and welcome to the board ';-)

Oh I LOVE Winchester Bay. We have an RV and go out to the RV park on the point. We always try to get an ocean slot so we can sleep with the windows open and the sounds of the waves breaking outside. Sounds like you found a great spot to stay and feel at home at the same time

HAHAHAHA...(clap) and tomorrow's bedtime story will be...........(laugh)

As a non-member I'd never presume it would be okay to voice concerns over anything. That should be a members only perk (things seem okay anyhow lol) I'm just grateful that you allow MB access to all. While I never get to meet any of you it's nice to at least "cyber meet" (clap)

I'm a non member who frequents the MB occasionally and I'd never dream of complaining about how things are done being a non member lol. Like I've said before - if I lived in the Valley - I'd be a member for sure but there's no reason to join living out here in the boonies lol. We have no sponsor stores and we're 7 hours round trip from where the majority of sponsor stores and meetings/parties etc are held.

Not necessarily true. I have a "generous income" and I shop very wisely. I won't pay for gas at $3.05 when it's $3.02 on the next block. I don't randomly grab a gallon of milk - I buy the one that's the best price and I'm more than happy to shop at Walmart they have some great prices etc. Why should it be any different when buying products for my hobby? In fact I almost find it an insult to my intelligence when someone wants me to pay $120 for the same item someone else sells for $63 Doesn't offend me - I'm just not paying it. I have no problem ordering off line at all. I took money with me to get the items I needed from a LFS - found the price wasn't even close to what another business was selling it for so tomorrow I'm ordering everything I need on line. Wow, there's one thing I've discovered from this thread that I had no idea about before...You guys have sponsors that think they own you! A week or so ago I was asking who was a MOD on the site because I wanted details on joining. I'm glad this conversation went the way it did because if supporting the site allows a LFS to "dictate" what I can and can't buy and from who then I'm glad I'm remaining a non member. I understand they donate items to raffles and whatever but seriously...I'd think twice about accepting sponsors if they are going to get upset when you guys do group buys to save yourselves a little cash. Because who owns your income...them or you? It's almost like having the fox guard the hen house. I usually cringe at CA2OR's posts (sorry dude) because he tend to be a little opinionated but he's got this one nailed and I'm glad he's expressing it...business IS competition that's how this country runs. You can't sit and blame the consumer and make them feel bad if they take their hard earned dollars to a cheeper outlet and the internet isn't the consumers enemy. :eek: I'm not sure what makes LFS stores different from other businesses in that they think people should pay them a high price when way lower prices are available elsewhere.

CA2OR - I 100% agree with you post (clap)

Sorry if I started something I shouldn't have - there's a lot more "tension" on this board these days. I see both sides. I'm not a member of the club. I live in Central Oregon and we don't have any sponsor stores there that we could support if we wanted to and we're 3 hours from any club goings on so there's just no point. If I was a member and if I did go to meetings/parties whatever it is you do and sponsors donated stuff then oh my gosh "yes" I'd support them. Ethics is ethics and right is right. I'm 100% with folks on that one. We have one store in Redmond and I do support them. They are great people and 90% of my fish dollars go there. I'm not bothered to spend a few dollars more to get stuff there and not at online because I want to support them. On the other hand (and perhaps I just went to a very high mark up store) I'm a wise consumer. I know what gas stations have the best price on gas. I know what farms have the best price on hay. I chose to shop at a LFS and not online but when a LFS wants $120 for the exact same item I can find online at $63 I'll be shopping online (especially as there are numerous items that I need). A reasonable mark up is expected for LFS's to survive given their overheads and I'm happy to pay a reasonable amount. But my bottom line lies with my family. Perhaps it's easier for me because I don't have a reason to support that particular store. I shopped there once and probably won't shop there again. I think you folks in PDX and Salem have a slightly different situation. You have these stores on your doorstep and many of the owners are supporting your "club". That makes a HUGE difference. Like someone said...it's not right to use their knowledge and take their donations and leave it up to others to support their businesses....you have to put your money where your mouth is.

I know how hard it is for our LFS's to make a good living these days with the economy and I always do everything I can to support them but I have to say - it's hard ! I was out of town over the weekend and yesterday I went shopping...who can resist a LFS shopping trip while out of town lol. I had a boat load of cash in my pocket and a laundry list of things I need for the new tank I'm setting up. The store I visited had almost everything I wanted...But item #1 was $120 in store - online it is $63. Item #2 was $175 in store - online it's $101 and the list goes on. Many online stores offer free shipping over a certain amount and awesome return policies if there are problems. I'll support within reason but there's no way I could sleep at night knowing I've given away my money. It's frustrating (and I'm sure that goes both ways) what's the future? Are we going to loose our LFS's? Because as a good capitalist (whistle) I just can't buy locally no matter how much I'd like to support them. I was wondering how far y'all go to support your LFS?