molurus73

Well it seems that this meeting is turning out to be a bigger deal than originally thought. We seem to be having an aquaculture celebrity coming. How cool is that?

So, with all that in mind, we should do something a little bigger than usual. I was thinking about having a nice little cookout. I can get a decent deal on some really nice sirloins from work. I was thinking that we could meet at someone's house who has a grill and chow. It would be about $5 per person for the steaks and everyone could bring a side dish. This would be a great way to welcome those who have been unable to attend a meeting and extend a little Cincy hospitality to our visiting friends.

I was thinking maybe Saturday afternoon/evening. That way there wouldn't be too many time constraints. It should be a little cooler. Our options of where to have it would be a little more open. Maybe someone could bring some cornhole or horseshoes. We could have a downright good time. Maybe we could actually have a meeting as well.

Anyone else with some thoughts? Let me have them. Good, bad, indifferent. We have plenty of time to get this together so let's do it right. I would be willing to coordinate the gathering if you wanted.

So, whatcha think??????

Jim

MatPat

I definately agree with the cookout idea! It would be a great way to welcome the new folks to the club and meet everyone. Maybe we can even look at bringing along spouses/kids? My wife doesn't care much for the meetings but maybe some other spouses do. Maybe it could be an annual thing for us.

I would be more than willing to host the September meeting. I am also open to having someone else host the meeting if there are any takers. That being said, I would like to have Tom critique my tanks (except the growout tank) and tell me what I'm doing wrong. I imagine he won't want to travel up here on Sunday morning as well as see all of your tanks down in Cinci.

If we decide to do it at my place, I can keep the pool open for the meeting (it is heated) for those who would like to swim and should have enough space inside if it rains. There's also a B-ball net in the drive and a swing and slide for the little ones should we decide to make it a "family" type get together. Not sure if I have enough flat yard space for horseshoes or cornhole though.

I have a charcoal grill and I also have a propane cooker so maybe we could even do a shrimp boil or something for those who don't want steak, though I'm not quite ready to part with my Discus and the Cherry Reds are too small for the shrimp boil

So far, Damon is the only one who can't make it on a Saturday. Hopefully some others will respond with their preferred day/time. We had talked in the past about having the September meeting on Sunday but things have changed a little now.

It would be great if you would coordinate the get together! We have plenty of time to iron things out but it would be nice to do it right and welcome Tom to the Cinci area and the others to the club! I am more than willing to lend you a hand if you need it also.

There's my long winded 2 cents worth

Troy McClure

You've got my vote for the Saturday cookout/meeting! Maybe we could do a little plant swap? I've got some Eichhornia I don't think is going to fit my vision for the 10gal. The extra month will help grow out the plants a bit more, so hang on to those trimmings!

--edit--
I also have some bolbitis, java moss, hygro polysperma, ludwigia repens, and (maybe) h. zosterifolia that could be brought to trade.

Simpte 27

IF the concensus is Saturday, then so be it. Just be sure to tape the lecture!

MatPat

We always have a plant swap/give away at the meetings. I don't do any Aquabid auctions the week before the meeting so I have plenty of plants to swap/give out at the meetings. I would definately be interested in some Bolbitis and maybe some H. zosterifolia depending on how mine takes off over the next few weeks. It has always been a weed in the past but is curently taking it's time to grow out. Never had L. repens so maybe a stem or two of that would be worth trying.

Eichhornia will probably grow to fast for a 10g tank. I was thinking of using it in my 30g but it just grows too fast for the scape I want in that tank! Definately needs a taller tank in my opinion.

Troy McClure

Agreed..I have to top and replant the Eichhornia every few DAYS it grows so fast. I love the leaf color, though, so it's been a debate whether to sell/trade it for something else. A needle-leaf variety of something would be nice, like tonina, etc.

Oh, I might also bring a couple small portions of xmas moss, -maybe- weeping moss if I get enough grown out.

MatPat

Eichhornia can be a nice plant when you want the look of H. zosterifolia but in a darker green color. As long as you don't mind the pruning that is.

I gave up the Tonina species after I moved the tank to the basement. Too much hassle with RO water for me. Eriocaulon sateceum might be a nice addition to the tank.

ctmpwrdcamry

A cookout would be a great idea! I haven't had a chance to make any of the meetings, it looks like this month is going to be the same (car troubles).

However, i will make it down for a bbq. The later meeting time will also be helpful. Anywhere the meeting is i have at least and hour and a half drive, so i don't have an opinion one way or the other.

MatPat

Looking forward to finally meeting you Sean! Hopefully the later meeting time on Saturday will be helpful to some others who don't usually make the meetings.

Troy McClure

Well, wouldn't you know it...I didn't have any topics for Tom to talk about, but we may be setting up a new tank and I have a few questions to ask him regarding low-light, low-maintenance setups.

Bring on the BBQ!