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Cleanup Crew Group Buy for pickup at Fall Fest

Discussion in '2009' started by AJ, Sep 16, 2009.

  1. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Update - 10/19/2009
    Order form has been uploaded.  It's at the bottom of this message and here (http://www.greateriowareefsociety.o...up_Buy.xls).  The form will allow you to input your desired quantities and calculate your total.  When it's time to order, you can e-mail this form to me so that there is no confusion over what you ordered.  Please contact me if you have any questions.
    --AJ
    ==============================
    Hey everyone...I'm organizing a cleanup crew group buy for pickup at Fall Fest.  I will be ordering from Key's Critters (which I have heard some fantastic things about) and will be handling the purchase, delivery and distribution.  This is a members only group buy (this would easily make membership worthwhile considering your savings over pet store prices).  Whether you're stocking a new tank, or just buying a few to replace what has died off, it's a great time to buy.  I've checked around and these prices are lower than many other reputable Internet retailers.  Here's what's available and prices:
     
  2. adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

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    Yea I will definitely be ordering a bunch. Can you please post a reminder when it gets close? My memory about something this far away isn't so great... haha
     
  3. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Yes....reminders will be sent out.  I'm sending this out now so that others that may have been considering purchasing cleanup crew livestock were aware of the opportunity coming up soon so they didn't order elsewhere and pay more.  I will start to send more info and reminders about this around three weeks before Fall Fest.
    --AJ
     
  4. RobynT

    RobynT Inactive User

    784
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    I would like to get in on the group buy also but I haven't had time to decide what exactly yet. Is it going to be a hassle if you have to babysitt critters or will you shoot for Saturday delivery? (which usually costs more.)
     
  5. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Hey Robyn,
    You don't have to decide until it's time to order.  In fact, it would be better if people didn't tell me what they wanted until the first week of November.  That way, I don't have to deal with a lot of changes to orders.  Shipping is on Wed only and overnight delivery.  They don't do Sat delivery at all.  I am going to have to babysit things for a couple of days so I'm making very temporary accommodations for that (which will be taken down on Sat).  Anyone in the CR area will be able to pick up on Thursday night if they choose to do so.
    --AJ
     
  6. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
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    AJ,

    I'm going to order some stuff and I've got approval to order a few things for our office tank too.

    -JB
     
  7. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Sounds great! The more that gets ordered, the lower the prices will go!

    --AJ
     
  8. gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
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    Lookin like I am going to have to jump in on this one.
     
  9. gb387

    gb387 Inactive User

    802
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    Lookin like I am going to have to jump in on this one.
     
  10. dzabler

    dzabler Inactive User

    108
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    i will order some stuff too
     
  11. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Sounds like it's going to be a big order.  You know, initially, I was going to hold off on making the order forms available, but I think I'll go ahead and let people download the order form so that they can get an idea as to how much their order is going to cost them.  Here's a PDF version of the form.  I'll work on getting an Excel version uploaded so it does all the calculations for you.  I will begin accepting order forms around October 24th.  PayPal fee is 3%.
    --AJ
     
  12. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Group buy order form now available...see link in first posting.

    --AJ
     
  13. phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

    Riverside
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    Bump....
     
  14. adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

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    I've got my order pretty much ready, but just to be sure....

    Do Cerith and Astrea snails right them selves when they flip over? I tried doing some looking but keep finding people saying they do and don't...
     
  15. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    My understanding is that with cerith snails, you don't have to worry about it, but you do with astrea snails. Now, that being said, the two serve somewhat different purposes as the cerith feeds more on detritus and less on algae and the astrea primarily goes after algae and diatoms. I hope that helps.

    --AJ
     
  16. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Just two weeks before the order goes in.

    --AJ
     
  17. smw0522

    smw0522 Inactive User

    117
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    I'd like a little feedback on what I"m thinking on my order. I currently have only 4 snails (can't remember what kind but they are small) , 1 cleaner shrimp and 2 blue legged hermit crabs left from my original crew so I'm thinking I'm definitely in need of more!

    I have a 29 gallon tank. I was thinking...
    6 cerith snails, 1 peppermint shrimp, 4 true red legged hermit crabs and 6 red scarlett hermit crabs. Does that sound ok??
     
  18. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Guidelines for what you put in your tank as a cleanup crew depends on the size of your tank, the type of substrate you're using (or not using), and the problems you're dealing with. For example, if hair algae is an issue for you, don't buy all snails...crabs do a better job on hair algae. Likewise if your issue is with cyano and brown diatoms, crabs don't do much good. It's all a balance. With snails, the recommendations are 1 per 1-2 gallons....and not all the same kind, mix them up. Astrea snails do a good job with algae on the glass, but you have to keep an eye on them. Ceriths do a better job with stuff in the sand as they will also burrow into the sand a bit and keep the surface stirred up for you. With hair algae, emerald crabs are great. Now if you have a tendency to overfeed, shrimp are excellent. I like your tendency to lean toward the scarlet hermits as they are supposed to be the least likely to nip at your corals and snails. With crabs, it's recommended to have one per 3-5 gallons. Again, mix them up. Also, remember that stuff will die, possibly some just from the stress of transit. Personally, I'm ordering 10% more than what I think I'm going to need anticipating some die off. Just remember what you'll have to pay later when you need to add just a few later. I had to add a few astreas to my nano a while back and had to pay $1.89 each for them. With those guidelines, you're looking at 15 or more snails and 6 or more crabs. Personally, I would get 8 astreas, 3 large ceriths, 8 small ceriths, 6 scarlet hermit crabs and the peppermint shrimp. Now, I don't know how the shrimps will get along, you may want to check on that.

    I hope this helps.

    --AJ
     
  19. smw0522

    smw0522 Inactive User

    117
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    Yes, thank you very much for the feedback. That's very helpful! I'm going to get to work on my order form right now:)
     
  20. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Only about 1 more week to get your orders in. If you have not checked your cleanup crew, now is a great time to do so and replenish for any losses. Here's a few things to think about...

    Got aiptasia? Get some peppermint shrimp to eat it.
    Got bubble algae? Get some emerald crabs to eat it (I've heard they like hair algae too).
    Got cyano or brown algae? Get some Astra and Cerith snails to eat it.
    Got hair algae? Get some hermit crabs to eat it.
    Algae on your sand? Cerith snails and brittle stars can help keep things stirred up.
    Have a tendency to over-feed? A shrimp or two and some hermit crabs can help clean up extra food.

    Compare these prices and I'm sure you'll find them quite competitive. $5 will buy you 10 astra snails to replace any that may have died off.

    Buy now and save! No minimum order.

    --AJ
     

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