Achilles Tang

My payday is on 25th of the month. I am counting cents now... really really overspent this month! <_< I appreciate you volunteering to be my driver... but heh... I need a credit officer... with interest-free schemes... or a godfather... hahaha!!!

BOOOOOMMM!!!!!

Yeah I went down... only bought a clam. Pretty broke... waiting for payday! Hahah!

Err... why not?

Its not the width, its the depth. Unless you keep the bottom portion for mostly mushrooms and polyps or other low-light tolerant corals, then PLs would do ok. Yes, a fan would help to lower temp but you need to top-up with fresh water more often.

Interesting... looks like a red tennis ball! Aint' gonna keep any cow or boxfishes because they are poisonous and I hate to be not around to fish them out immediately if they die coz they'll leach toxic slime poisons out into the water. Heard that you have to really wash down your tank thoroughly coz of one incident where a LFS in the states livestock in that one particular tank kept dying mysteriously.... coz it used to house boxfishes before. They had to throw out everything... and give the tank/filtration system a good acid wash or something... heh! But I must say that they are really cute!

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/4286599.htm I saw her on TV and she was gorgeous in looks and beautiful in personality according to her friends. It's sad that she died during her last attempt to d a 561 ft (171m) breath hold dive. Mestre was attempting to beat the 160m No Limits world record set by Tanya Streeter earlier this year in Turks and Caicos. She reached her target depth, but was pulled from the sled by her support team of scuba divers and brought back to the surface. Her rescuers attempted to give her gas to breathe during the ascent. She was underwater for 9 minutes 44seconds, and was pronounced dead from drowning by the medics who attempted to resuscitate her, shortly after being brought to the surface. 28-year-old Mestre was one of the brightest stars of the free-diving scene and was married to free-diver 'Pippin' Ferreras. Pippin was among the spectators while the tragic events unfolded. Speculation is rife that the sled had developed a technical fault which interrupted her ascent. The International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) who were responsible for overseeing the dive issued a statement saying that they believed that something had hit the sled. So sad... so sad! I guess this reminds again not to be careless underwater...

That was the strange thing... he was fat, eating and swimming around!! You were there at my place and saw him...! Sigh!

If your tank is 2.5ft deep... i recommend HQI or MH as only these kind of point source lights have the 'punch' to penetrate deeper and stronger thn FL or PL lights. PL lights are probably better for 2ft or shallower depths.

My AT I bought from Reborn last Thur has passed away. I shouldn't have bought it in the first place as it already looked quite listless at the LFS.. but the owner said no problem.. He spent fours days in my refugium, refusing to swim and eat, inspite of being surrounded by algae and being alone in this stress-free environment I can best provide. A PBT that I bought from the same day also kaputted on the same day from Ich/marine velvet. So much for being 'Net-caught' from Sri Lanka... can we trust reborn's word? Sigh?

I ACCEPT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah... that did look scary. But I think PVC is safe for aquaria use... as I haven't heard of any problems all these years arising from PVC piping usage.

As long as it's food grade, it will be saltwater-safe. high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the best food-grade plastic around.

Clowntrigger wanted to get one of the Toyogo brand plastic containers commonly used for storage and I guess I should do a product review on this as I am using such containers, three in fact! I use them to store my liverocks, do my saltmix and to store seawater. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Brand: Toyogo. Series 98, Product Code: 9810 Price: Two for $60 or one for $35. Purchase at Toyogo Supermart (Blk 11 Toa Payoh Ind Pk #01-1207 Singpaore 319063. Tel: 6250 2960). Dimensions: 64cm L by 50cm B by 43 H (midway as it slopes slightly narrower to the bottom) Colour: translucent Strength: the sides do bow out slightly when filled with water to nearly the brim. Advantages: The container comes with roller wheels which aids in moving around the house, even filled with water. Resin Code/Recycling Code: 5 (polypropylene) PP is used to make auto parts, appliance parts, pipes, toys, medical tubing, margarine tubs, syrup bottles and trash bags. Many drinking straws are made of PP. PP is food grade. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: The first time I used it to store newly made saltmix overnite... the water turned cloudy. I have no idea whether it is reaction with the plastic or simply the saltmix itself. But I have been using it subsequently to make saltmix and have not experienced that cloudiness again. I would recommend that you wash the inside of the plastic container thoroughly first before using. These containers are the biggest you can find and would easily substitute as an emergency tank should your small tank leaks... or you can use them as a sump tank of sorts or for some other usage. Here are the roller wheels, which are detachable. I have placed a scuba fin across it, my Korallin kalkreactor and an Eheim pump for scale. The only disadvantage of this container is that it's not collapsible... as putting it aside for storage means finding SPACE for it as it's so big! Or you can simply throw it away after use... haha!

Worried about plastics being food grade? Check this out! Plastics 101: A Glossary of Terms COMMON PLASTICS ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) is a hard plastic used to make pipes, windows, refrigerator door liners, radio cases, telephone housings, and boat and auto parts. The production of ABS uses a number of hazardous chemicals, including butadiene and styrene (suspected human carcinogens) and acrylonitrile (a probable human carcinogen). ABS requires the use of antioxidants (see "additives," below). BIOPOLYMERS are biologically derived polymers. They are produced through the transformation of agricultural or marine feedstocks (e.g. starch and cellulose), or by harnessing the enzymes found in nature. As such, they are based on renewable sources rather than the non-renewable fossil fuels used to make most plastics. In addition to being non-toxic, the processes used to create biopolymers minimize energy consumption and waste generation, and their degradation products can be re-used (methanol, methane) or composted into soil. Biodegradable plastics can still be petroleum-based and should not be mistaken for bio-based plastics. Although many bioplastics are still in the developmental stage, emerging applications include packaging, computer storage media, and medial implant devices. The Greenpeace credit card is one example of a biopolymer. CHLORINATED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (CPVC) is produced through the chlorination of PVC, which improves its heat resistance. CPVC is used in hot water piping in building construction. CPVC presents many of the same problems as PVC: It produces dioxin throughout its lifecycle and leaches chemical additives (see "additives," below). COPOLYMER is two or more different polymers chemically linked together. It differs from an alloy or blend, which is a mixture of two or more polymers. ETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE (EVA) is a copolymer of polyethylene and vinyl acetate. Vinyl acetate is made from acetic acid. EVA is used to make plastic film and sheeting, overhead projector sheets, toys and other items. POLYCARBONATE (PC) is used to make products such as compact disks (CDs), glass lenses, and food can linings. PC is normally made from the polycondensation of phosgene (a highly toxic gas derived from chlorine) and Bisphenol A (a chemical known to cause endocrine disruption in rats at very low doses). New production processes using alternatives to Bisphenol A may provide a significant improvement in PC's environmental profile in the future. POLYETHYLENE (PE) is the most common commodity plastic in the world. PE does not require the addition of chemical softeners, unlike flexible PVC. PE products sometimes do, however, contain UV and heat stabilizers, antioxidants and flame retardants. PE is used to make bottles, films, sheets, detergent containers and electrical cabling. The density of PE is determined by the type of polymerization conditions under which the resin is made. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is Code 2 in the Society of Plastics Industry's resin identification code and is commonly used in milk jugs, garbage bags and liquid detergent bottles. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is Code 4 of the SPI's resin identification code, and is found in common items such as bread bags, grocery bags and squeezable bottles for mustard and other products. POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET). Produced from dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol, PET is used to make packaging (e.g. soft drink bottles), photographic film, magnetic recording tape, and textiles. PET often contains additives such as UV stabilizers and flame retardants. PET does not require chemical additives in order to be flexible. The phthalate (the softener) used in PET is bound in the polymer itself, and does not readily leach out of PET products. The Danish Technical Institute compared PET to PVC and found that PET poses less risk to workers and the environment. POLYOLEFIN is a generic term for POLYETHYLENE (PE) and POLYPROPYLENE (PP) plastics. The raw materials for these plastics include ethylene and propylene, which are petroleum-based (and therefore not sustainable in the long run), highly flammable and explosive, but relatively harmless to the environment when compared to PVC. The petroleum used to make these resins can generate dioxins due to the use of chlorine catalysts in the production process. The burning of these plastics generates volatile compounds, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both suspected carcinogens. POLYPROPYLENE (PP) is one of the most rapidly growing commodity plastics. PP is used to make auto parts, appliance parts, pipes, toys, medical tubing, margarine tubs, syrup bottles and trash bags. Many drinking straws are made of PP. PP is Code 5 in the Society of Plastic Industry's resin identification code and appears as the number 5 in the recycling symbol. POLYSTYRENE (PS) is the third or fourth most common plastic. Its production involves the use of benzene (a known carcinogen) and styrene (a suspected human carcinogen). Although PS requires far fewer chemical additives than PVC (see "additives," below), it can still pose significant hazards. During a fire, burning PS can release toxic chemicals including styrenes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Relatively difficult to recycle, PS is used to make styrofoam cups, egg cartons, foam meat trays and insulating foams, as well as hard items such as cups, aspirin bottles, lawn chairs and toys. PS is Code 6 in the Society of Plastics Industry's resin identification code and appears as the number 6 in the recycling symbol. POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE (TFE) is commonly referred to by its Dupont trade name of Teflon. TFE gives off a highly poisonous gas when it is heated at too high a temperature. TFE is used in "no-stick" frying pans, valve and pump parts, wire insulation, heat cables and aerospace parts. POLYURETHANE (PU) is used primarily to make insulation and foam for carpet underlay, auto cushions and other products. The production of PU consumes about 11 percent of the world's entire chlorine production, involves the use of hazardous intermediates, and creates numerous hazardous byproducts. PU production has been linked to occupational health problems including asthma, heart disease and reduced sperm quality. The burning of PU releases a number of hazardous chemicals into the environment, including isocyanates and hydrogen cyanide. POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) is commonly known as vinyl. It is made from vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen. PVC is the second most common plastic and the only widely used plastic with a high chlorine content. Because of its chlorine content, PVC is responsible for the spread of dioxins and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment. PVC requires the use of more chemical additives (see "additives," below) than any other common plastic, and it is the least recycled of all common plastics. PVC is used to make packaging, toys, I.V. bags and tubing, pipes, siding, flooring, wall covering, wiring and many other items. PVC is Code 3 in the Society of Plastics Industry's resin identification code and appears as the number 3 in the recycling symbol. POLYVINYLIDENE CHLORIDE (PVDC) is similar to PVC, but an additional chlorine atom is attached to the carbon atoms on the polymer chain. PVDC is used to make food wraps (e.g. Saran Wrap), upholstery and car cover seats. COMMON ADDITIVES USED IN PVC AND OTHER PLASTICS Additives are chemicals that are added to the polymer to give the plastic the qualities desired in the final product. PVC products, for example, always contain additives. Some types of PVC contain more additives than the polymer itself. Because they are not chemically bonded to the polymer in PVC, additives routinely leach out of the plastic. Listed below some of the more common additives used in PVC. ADIPATES are a family of plasticizers that are often used to replace phthalates (see "phthalates," below). DEHA, the most common adipate, is a teratogen (causes birth defects) and causes reproductive effects in animal studies. It has also been documented to cause liver tumors in mice. ANTIOXIDANTS are additives used to reduce oxidative degradation, which means that they are used to prevent discoloration during processing. Examples include phenolics, such as butylated hydroxy toluene, and organophosphites. BISPHENOL A (also known as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane). Although it is better known as a component of polycarbonate plastic, this chemical is also used as an antioxidant in PVC. Since it is used as an additive in PVC and not as a polymer ingredient, Bisphenol A can leach out of the plastic at a faster rate from PVC products than from polycarbonate products. CHLORINATED PARAFFINS (CPs) are used as both plasticizers and flame retardants. These chemicals are highly toxic, persistent in the environment, and are known to build up in the food chain. The largest use of CPs is in PVC products (e.g. cables). CPs are also used as cooling lubricants in metal processing, and as flame retardants in rubber and other products. Chlorinated paraffins are a probable human carcinogen, and have been demonstrated to cause reproductive impairment (including miscarriages) in rabbits and other animals. CPs also generate dioxin when they burn in fires. In 1995, European chlorinated paraffin producers announced a voluntary agreement to phase out short-chain chlorinated paraffins. U.S. producers (Dover Chemical, Occidental and Keil Chemical) have announced no such plans. FLAME RETARDANTS are chemicals that are added to plastics to lower their ignition potential and rate of combustion. Examples include toxic and persistent compounds such as brominated hydrocarbons (PBBs) and chlorinated paraffins (see above). More environmentally acceptable flame retardants include aluminum and magnesium hydroxides, antimony trioxide and phosphate esters. HEAT STABILIZERS are used primarily in PVC to reinforce chlorine bonding and counter disintegradation at high temperatures. Examples of heat stabilizers used in plastics include lead, barium/cadmium metal salts, and organotins. Stabilizers can comprise up to 5 percent of the weight of PVC products. LEAD and CADMIUM are heavy metals that are used as stabilizers in PVC products, including toys. They can also be found in pigments that are added to various kinds of plastic. NONYL PHENOL is used as a surfactant in PVC and PS in conjunction with antioxidants, stabilizers and plasticizers. It has been found to affect reproduction in aquatic organisms. One study found that PVC films contained the most nonyl phenol of any of the common food packaging tested. Nonyl phenols are described as "endocrine disruptors" because they interfere with the natural function of the endocrine system. ORGANOTINS are commonly used as stabilizers in PVC products including pipes, siding and windows. Studies conducted in Canada document organotin leaching from PVC drinking water pipe. Tributyl-tins, once used as biocides in ship anti-fouling paints, have been shown to cause ###### changes in shellfish and harm to dolphins. 155 countries have proposed a ban on organotins. Mono- and di-organotins (the only types used as PVC heat stabilizers) have been linked to teratogenicity (ability to cause birth defects) in animals and toxic effects on the immune system. The Swedish government has announced its intention to phase out organotins. PHTHALATES. The most common plasticizers (see "plasticizers," below) are a family of chemicals known as phthalates. Some of the most widely used phthalates include DEHP, DINP, and BBP. Ninety percent of all phthalates are used as PVC plasticizers. Phthalates are also used in inks, silicons and other minor applications. According to the Danish EPA, phthalates are "the most abundant man-made environmental pollutants" in the world. Phthalates are known to cause liver and kidney damage, reproductive damage and in some cases (DEHP, DINP) cancer. Major phthalate manufacturers include Exxon and Aristech. PLASTICIZERS are compounded with PVC resin to make a final product flexible or soft. PVC uses more plasticizers than any other plastic. Plasticizers occupy space and physically separate the PVC molecular chains from one another, thus allowing more chain movement and flexibility. Many plasticizers are also flammable, which means they require the addition of flame retardants. ULTRAVIOLET (U.V.) STABILIZERS are commonly used in PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS and polyesters to prevent degradation from U.V. radiation. PVC stabilizer formulations can contain stabilizers from more than one group. Examples include inorganic metal salts, particularly of lead and barium; metal soaps or other salts of organic acids, particularly of barium, cadmium, lead, calcium, magnesium, zinc, lithium, aluminum and sodium; organotin compounds; and epoxy compounds.

Here's more info on PP: PP (Polypropylene) Chemical Resistance General: Very Good Stress-Crack(^1) Resistance: Excellent Maximum Service Temperature: 220&176;F/104&176;C Brittleness Temperature: 32&176;F(^2)/0&176;C Impact Resistance(^2): Fair Abrasion Resistance: Good Rigidity: Good Easy to Clean: Good Translucent: No Outdoor Use: No Can Be Welded (Hot Gas): Yes Food Grade Acceptability: (Natural, Unpigmented): Yes(^3) Color (Natural, Unpigmented): Off White Advantages: good resistance to many organic chemicals; less expensive than comparable stainless steel tanks Applications: weldable PP fittings available; plating and pickling lines; etch tanks for processing silicon wafers Do Not Use With: strong oxidizing agents, aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons, subfreezing temperatures

Oops I didn't reply your question exactly! The toyogo container mentioned has the plastic recycling code/resin ID code of 5, indicating that it's PP (polypropylene). PP is used to make auto parts, appliance parts, pipes, toys, medical tubing, margarine tubs, syrup bottles and trash bags. Many drinking straws are made of PP. I guess it should be food grade.

I use the biggest Toyogo containers to help me mix my saltwater.... in fact I use two of these at one time... and they still hardly fill up half my tank! Check out the product reviews on this shortly!

Wow! I didn't know many of us love lionfishes as well! Bawater... you keep lions with SHs? I was thinking whether that was possible actually!

If you like I can pass it to you... its still around! AT

Ako Tanzy, Wicked geeza! we ave da same mind! whun is yous comin eastside? don't yous miss your eastside? wicked grub awaits yous in da house!

Hi Robe, Looks like you are gonna put a lot of LFS out of biz with your DIY MHs idea! Guys, I have been to Robe's place to take a look at his MHs... and they rock... they gotta guzzle lots of power though... and no good chiller, don't even think about it! But the money you save from DIY would help you get a good chiller... heh! If you are have an acro-dominated tank like he does, you may want to look at 400-watters... Robe... I have your photos ready to show off... but let me get a Photo Gallery software installed in our server first. You too, Morg!

Really hard to say... some liquid food are reportedly junk.. like 90% water, like the 2 little fishes's Marine Snow... but yet some aquarists insist they get ok results. I culture live plankton so I hope I can keep the harder species alive.

Don't see any answers from the 'Western' perspective...

You got PM!