asukawashere

Note that the meeting this month will be a week later than we usually convene - I'll be in Florida from the 14th 'til the 21st or 22nd (the familial units who planned this shindig weren't very clear on the end date...). The benefit, however, is that I will systematically raid the state of Florida (or at least the ditch nearest to my hotel) and mail relevant aquatic goodies home. Or else.

Aaaaanyway, meeting. On April 28th. Fun times. If the weather's good, we'll go on a collecting trip (anybody have ideas for a location?). If it's rainy, anyone feel like going on a day trip to Long Island? (I'm thinking a trip to Frank's Aquarium, maybe going and bothering Gordon if he's free?) Anyone willing to drive?

Storms

I can drive if we take a road trip. Sherwood Island state park in Westport is a great place to collect rocks and possibly some driftwood.

asukawashere

I'm reluctant to raid a state park for anything unless its specifically open to such things - i.e. Old Mine Park in Trumbull is open to rock collecting (mostly it's mineralogists looking for crystals and stuff, but I don't think they care which kinds of rocks you can take LOL). I haven't been there to check it out as a hardscape source, per se (it's on my things-to-do-this-summer list!), but if we're going to go hardscape collecting as a group I'd prefer it be at a place like that, where they allow people to take stuff.

Zapins

It might be worth doing a collect trip for inverts and local fish. There are some nice snails, crayfish, and shrimp that would be good additions to our tanks. Not to mention a host of critters that would make great live food cultures. Local fauna also make up a part of the aquascape!

asukawashere

The local crays - mostly Orconectes spp. - are mean little things! I'm not sure there are any FW shrimp whose range makes it all the way north to CT, though...

Local fish-wise, I would love to find a source for those cute little Enneacanthus sunfish - they're supposed to be great aquarium fish. Even the larger species of the genus Lepomis make for good pets, though They're a lot like coldwater versions of cichlids.

Riverboa

I am up for local critter collection.

pjb9166

Hi all.

My name is Paul. I live in Simsbury. I'm new to planted aquariums and aquascaping
if you will. I've heard there is a cub/clubs in the area. Can anyone help me out with any info?

Thanks
Paul

asukawashere

Hi Paul!
You're in the right place - we're the only plant-specific group in the state (there are plenty of aquarium clubs, though). If you send me a PM with your email, I can forward you some basic info on the club and stuff. As mentioned above, our next meeting is on 4/28, when we'll be going on a collecting trip. We'll probably meet up at my place in Fairfield, CT - bit of a hike for you, but doable.

joonkun

im also new and just getting into planted tanks. i really enjoy it and my daughter whose 4 enjoys helping me so its something i can do with her together. i'd be interested in more info as well.

asukawashere

Sure thing! Just let me know your email address and I'll send you some info and put you on our mailing list. Kids are welcome at meetings, too.