Hello and Welcome All! - Page 4

tan.b · February 26th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

Hi Jennifer! Home is where our hearts are, and some of us live in fish tanks! LOL ! At least there we can be warm, and have good friends, unless his name is Oscar! I just know you will enjoy this site. Welcome!

From the Frozen North. +2 here this morning!

makes a change from -10F!....whats the warmest it gets up there in the frozen north?

susitna-flower · February 26th, 2007

Good Morning tanb. It is -2F here this morning, and I only tell you this to help connect with all you folks, not to complain. We are in a bit of a cool stretch right now, but it also has it's up side. The sun is shinning which raises spirits. The temperature is so fickle. I think for this time of year the norm is +20. By April we can expect +30, then summer it will range from 55 - 75 here in our area. I did see 5 moose on the way to the bus stop today!

tan.b · February 26th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

Good Morning tanb. It is -2F here this morning, and I only tell you this to help connect with all you folks, not to complain. We are in a bit of a cool stretch right now, but it also has it's up side. The sun is shinning which raises spirits. The temperature is so fickle. I think for this time of year the norm is +20. By April we can expect +30, then summer it will range from 55 - 75 here in our area. I did see 5 moose on the way to the bus stop today!

no worries!! i'm curious to know what everyone is up to!! the uk is so dull and boring!!!!! thats quite a temp range! it does get reasonably warm then!! you'd laugh, but i have to look on my tank thermometer strip to calculate your F into C temps when i dont have my phone to hand to do the convertion!!!! - that of course only works when you're not freezing!!!
at least you see wildlife!!! i've seen none today!! the odd bird here and there, dogs on leads, neighbours cats in my garden, squashed rabbits in road (

), but thats about it! are moose dangerous? in the uk the nearest we have is deer, and they're petrified of humans so run away when you're about half a mile away from them!! we had some domestic reindeer at work a few years ago for the kids to see at christmas and they were obviously very tame...and small! moose are big arent they? like cow/horse sized? the reindeer i saw were goat sized. anyway, i'm rambling...AGAIN!!....better get back to my water changes!!!

susitna-flower · February 26th, 2007

tanb, I think people from all over are curious about how other people live. I am including a link here that Anchorage our largest city just put out. click on the word brand and you will see a video of the "fun life in Anchorage". http://www.bigwildlife.com The moose walking across the road is similar to what we have around where I live.
We are 120 miles north of Anchorage, so there are fewer roads and people, and a different mix of things to do. We are in a very rural community. The moose are dangerous, many are hit by cars on the highway, which does lots of damage. We had a friend killed a couple years ago in an accident with one. Then they can be a danger because if you get to close they will 'charge' striking out with their hooves. But for the most part if you see them out and about, they are more interested in eating the shrubs and bushes than worrying about what you are doing. One thing though, if you are out on a 'trail' and that is where the moose wants to walk, you don't argue, give them the trail and step behind a tree to be safe.

tan.b · February 27th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

tanb, I think people from all over are curious about how other people live. I am including a link here that Anchorage our largest city just put out. click on the word brand and you will see a video of the "fun life in Anchorage". http://www.bigwildlife.com The moose walking across the road is similar to what we have around where I live.
We are 120 miles north of Anchorage, so there are fewer roads and people, and a different mix of things to do. We are in a very rural community. The moose are dangerous, many are hit by cars on the highway, which does lots of damage. We had a friend killed a couple years ago in an accident with one. Then they can be a danger because if you get to close they will 'charge' striking out with their hooves. But for the most part if you see them out and about, they are more interested in eating the shrubs and bushes than worrying about what you are doing. One thing though, if you are out on a 'trail' and that is where the moose wants to walk, you don't argue, give them the trail and step behind a tree to be safe.

lol, i wouldnt argue with any animal that is bigger/stronger/more dangerous than me!! i know when i'm beat!!! that link was good! what sort of bears do you get up there? have you ever seen one? feel free to tell me to stop being nosey!!! i wont be offended!!! - Tan

susitna-flower · February 27th, 2007

I don't think you are being nosey. The bears are around. Of course in the winter time they hibernate, so don't come out till mid April, earlier if the weather is really warm. That is the time they really are hard on the moose, as there isn't anything else for them to eat. They go after the moose calves. Since we have a salmon stream going through our property, we do see bears quite often in summer. One thing I would love to do around here is to develop a pond/waterfall out in the front yard, stocked with koi, but do worry that would draw the bears. We dug a 'pit' out front, to gravel our drive, which has left the perfect spot to put that pond, just too many other things to do.
Fish in the Frozen North! -10 F this morning!

tan.b · February 27th, 2007

i didnt know bears ate moose!!! i've seen them on tv catching fish before though. never thought about domestic ponds and bears though!!! i also didnt know they hibernated!!! the things you learn on here!!! how clever are bears....could you use fencing around your property to keep the bears out? or electric wire fencing? they wouldnt touch that!! costly though if you've a big perimeter.
my mum has a pond and has fencing around it to keep the dogs from jumping in (and my kids!!) - they are swimming dogs which love water! and then to keep the herons off the fish she has netting over the pond so the herons cant snatch the fish.
you'd need a really deep pond too wouldnt you so they can hibernate under the ice rather than IN the ice!! i expect you'd get fairly thick ice up there!!
there's always jobs to do!! our house is an ongoing project!! decorating being the most time consuming i think!! spent past couple of years focussing onthe garden, but thats about done now. just upkeep now! :P never enough hours in the day!!

susitna-flower · February 27th, 2007

tan, the fencing won't work. We used to have cows and horses. Finally after many years of trying, we just let our critters run free, because bears and moose go over or through all the fencing we put up! They are not stopped by electric or barbed. We got "hog" wire, it is a welded mesh in 4" squares X 4' high, tried a rail under and over, then barbed or electric, and that STILL didn't work. We had new neighbors move in, who didn't like the visits from our live stock, so finally we gave that all up. We still do put up hay, though and may in years to come have a few cows as we love them. When there is plenty of food in the wild, bears really would rather avoid humans, we have never personally had problems with them attacking our livestock. They just don't have the concept of fencing, and when confronted with something in the way, do not look for a way around, they go through. VERY tough skinned! As for fish in a pond, yes it has to be about 14' deep at least, and you would have to have air injection, just like in a fish tank. The ice could get up to 2', snow on top helps insulate. For the best a hole needs to be in the ice to let bad air escape.

tan.b · February 27th, 2007

blimey! determined beasts then!!!! thats a shame tho that you cant have livestock cos of them! if i had the land i'd have animals on it, but with bears about it somewhat changes things!!! :P
my mum used to put tennis balls on our pond so the ice formed around them leaving holes in the ice to allow for gas exchange. i'd forgotten about that til you mentioned it!! sounds like a big pond with that depth! alot of work to add to your projects!!! think the 300gal tank may be easier!! at least thats based indoors! good luck with all your projects!

Tan

tatnsteph · February 27th, 2007

Just wanted to say hello, have been reading this sight for most of the day I find it so interesting and there is so much useful info here, so I decided I would log in and join all you fish lovers out there

susitna-flower · February 27th, 2007

Welcome, tatnsteph, do you have tanks? If so let us know what you have, what they are stocked with, and if you ever have any problems, fishlore is the first place to ask! People here really try to help out. Have a great day!

Fish in the Frozen North It's warmed up to +9F ! 8)

tan.b · February 28th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatnsteph

Just wanted to say hello, have been reading this sight for most of the day I find it so interesting and there is so much useful info here, so I decided I would log in and join all you fish lovers out there

welcome to fishlore!! the more you look, the more you find!!! i'm still finding interesting articles and onfo on here! any questions, just ask, and i'm sure someone will help you and your fish! as susitna-fllower says......we're always intersted to knwo what tanks and fish you have or plan to have!! enjoy!

whitewavemoon · March 3rd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

Hi Jennifer! Home is where our hearts are, and some of us live in fish tanks! LOL ! At least there we can be warm, and have good friends, unless his name is Oscar! I just know you will enjoy this site. Welcome!

From the Frozen North. +2 here this morning!

Ok, you definitely win "the battle of the cold!" It's nowhere near that bad here!

Thanks for the welcome.

gilly2402 · March 4th, 2007

hi im Gilly i have a wife colleen and 3 kids just set up a 60lt tank today as we are just beginning hope to get a healthy start to the hobby any tips please post to me many thnks

atmmachine816 · March 4th, 2007

Glad to have you here.

Stop by the aquarium nitrogen board to read about cycling your tank and good luck. Enjoy the hobby you have just begun.

susitna-flower · March 4th, 2007

Welcome Gilly, (and family) there is never a question to small, feel free to reach for help any time. I'm sure there will be someone to see you through your troubles, and enjoy your stories and pictures. So surf through this site, see what answers you can have answered by what is already here, then if you have any questions, just jump right in. Best of Luck!

Fish in the Frozen North. 0 F today. 8) The restart of the IDIDAROD SLED DOG race is today out of Willow Alaska. If you are interested in following along click on http://www.KTUU.com , they will post pictures, articles, updates and videos of the race all week long.

atmmachine816 · March 9th, 2007

Is it really the last race?

susitna-flower · March 9th, 2007

HI ATM! Every year it is the last great race! Actually that is like the "nick name for Alaska, The Last Frontier. You know just something to catch your ear.
Actually this year it has been BRUTAL..

It won't be the last, but will go down in the history books as one to remember. I have felt so sorry for those folks, and dogs. Haven't heard of any fatalities, man nor beast, but there has been frostbite, and many dropping out, more than usual. My favorite a 50+ woman Dee Dee Jonrowe had to drop out, she cracked up (wrecked), and almost tore her little finger off at the knuckle! She said it totally separated and was only holding on by skin........Yuck

The race is run every year to commemorate the "serum run" back in the early 1900's when there was an outbreak of diphtheria. Vaccine was hauled up to Nome by dog sled, the only way at the time to do it in a "hurry".

One really cool thing, before the Ididarod starts, back in February they run every year a race with snowmachines called the Iron Man race. From Big Lake (just south of where we live) North to Fairbanks, and back to Big Lake. It is all out 100 mph day and night, two men teams riding separate machines, but able to help each other.
This year our "FIRST DUDE" won with his partner.. His wife the new Governor of Alaska flagged him in with the checkered flag at the finish! We have never had a woman governor before, and it is quite the big deal.

Good question though.

Fish in the Frozen North.

atmmachine816 · March 10th, 2007

Wow, now that's interesting, thanks. Sounds like there's a lot of excitement going on up there. I want to move up to Alaska now. Is everything more expensive there?

tan.b · March 10th, 2007

i's never have considered going to alaska, but since reading susitna-flowers posts i'd certainly consider it now! ....thats when i've been everywhere else and got some cash!!!!...could be a while :

. this forum teaches you alot!!
Tan

Jim · March 10th, 2007

I've always wanted to visit Alaska, but I start whining when the temp drops to under 70 degrees... I'd die even in the summer up there!!!

atmmachine816 · March 10th, 2007

My mom wants to go to alaska later, maybe I can convince her to move there with me. I don't like really warm temperatures. 70's is about as hot as I like it, especially since I run a lot the hot air I can't breath well in. I don't mind the cold, just bundle up

tan.b · March 10th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

I've always wanted to visit Alaska, but I start whining when the temp drops to under 70 degrees... I'd die even in the summer up there!!!

i dont do cold either!!! it'd have to be a heat wave in summer!!!!!!!!!

tan.b · March 10th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by atmmachine

My mom wants to go to alaska later, maybe I can convince her to move there with me. I don't like really warm temperatures. 70's is about as hot as I like it, especially since I run a lot the hot air I can't breath well in. I don't mind the cold, just bundle up

ooooooooooooooh no i dont do cold! i prefer warm!!!!! but i dont do running!!!

susitna-flower · March 10th, 2007

I have a daughter and son-in-law that run. I guess it is whatever you are comfortable with. Some folks would think running at 60 F would be bad. My daughter ran high school and college x-country, as well as skiing for both. She lives out in Bethel AK, and all but the most severe days she still uses running to keep in shape.

One thing about AK is that the weather never gets boring. This week things have warmed up, it is sunny, still a wind, but the temp is +30 F days. It feels like a heat wave and folks are out enjoying the sun. My son is planning a 4 day outing on his snow machine this week as it is spring break.

I just got back from Fairbanks, where I went to a really nice fish store! Fairbanks has two military bases, lots of people move in and out and I thought I might be able to find a used fish tank, since I just can't help myself but get a lovely fish when I meet it!

Any way I looked in their local paper and lo and behold there it was! a 55 gal with accessories for $50. I called and someone had just bought it!

So when I went to the fish store, I related my plight to the attendant, and he said they had a tank with a "little damage" , the plastic frame was cracked on one corner, that he would sell me for $50.00

So I came home with a new 50 gal tank, and two new parkonsoni rainbow fish, 5 algae eating shrimp, 3 otos, and 3 sunset fire platys. It is a 5 1/2 hour drive from Fairbanks home, so I had them pack my fish in larger than normal bags, with more water, then I put them in a box with 2 chemical handwarmers I got from a local sporting good store. I got home and they were in really vigorous condition. Better than when I bring them up from Wasilla, only 1 1/2 hours away. So NOW I know what I will do any time I go to the fish store, take some of those hand warmers along!

So now that I have found this site and have an idea of more places on line for filters etc., instead of having to just buy at my LFS, I can afford to have more tanks. The guy up in Fairbanks said that isn't MTS ,....you are an Aquaholic! You have to go to meetings and everything!

Fish in the Frozen North. 8)

susitna-flower · March 10th, 2007

ATM, last night when I wrote my first note, I miss named that snowmachine race....It is the Iron DOG, I guess I was once again thinking about that lady musher Dee Dee Jonrowe, SHE as part of getting ready for this years Ididarod had competed in the Hawaii Iron Man race. Which had her in the best physical shape of her life. This was the 25th time she had done the Ididarod, had come in as high as second, and hoped this would be her year.

As for the cost of things up here. Many things probably are higher. I paid $2.19 /gal for gas up in Fairbanks yesterday. That is why I was looking for a bargin in my tank, because any time you buy something it has had to be shipped up here! When you are talking about FEDEX, UPS or USPS, it doesn't make a lot of difference, it does some, but not enough to stop us buying what we want. But...for large items that have to come up from Seattle, on a barge, it takes 3 weeks, and the cost does add on to every item.

However, wages are higher in many cases. Our economy is driven by different factors than what effects the lower 48. When oil prices are high at the well head, it is bad for you, good for us. We don't pay state taxes, and the oil money pays for our state government operation.

One BIG new employer is a brand new Hospital in Wasilla, the whole health care industry is really hurting for workers. Another one is a brand new Prison being built 30 miles out of Wasilla, currently most of our prisoners are housed outside in Arizona, these will pump big $$$ into the area. You have heard about the "Bridge to NOWHERE"? One of them is going to go across the Cook Inlet from Anchorage to connect up to a road that this prison is being built on. It accesses the whole western side of our Borough (county), that will cut hours off the drive for anyone comming down the George Parks Highway from Fairbanks and south, that is headed to Anchorage. I can assure you it is a bridge to build the future on. Wasilla is the second fastest growing city in the US!! Housing and smaller businesses are just as vigorous. Well I am going on........

Fish in the Frozen North. 8)

tan.b · March 11th, 2007

you got a bargain tank in the end then susitna-flower! have you set it up yet? hope all goes well!! i'm def an aquaholic!!! i'll be going to meetings and doing the whole " my name is tan, i am an aquaholic, i have been without an lfs for 2 days now......."!!! lol! let us know how you get on with it and what you're putting in it!!

atmmachine816 · March 11th, 2007

drs. foster and smith.com thatpetplace bigals marinedepot, just google what you want and things will come up, wil have to check if they send to Alaska.

wow that's interesting, Alaska sure gets a bad rep down here.

Got to go work on my SW tank, keep us posted on your tank.

susitna-flower · March 11th, 2007

Tan, I have to wait to set it up

for our next pay check. Then I will order my filter and substrate. Plants a few days later, then my big plan is to get it cycled and put all my fish over for a day and clean house on my existing tank. Its been up for 2 years, and needs it.

While I'm at it I may order a new filter for my current tank, and in house cleaning do away with my underground filter. This may distroy my plants that are growing in that tank since I'm sure their roots are happily growing down through the filter...But my theory is that it will be easier to vacuum the gravel without the UG filter set up. I know many folks don't approve of the undergravel filter system, but it has worked wonderfully for me, but then I did attach an extra powerhead to pull water through the gravel and circulate it, and didn't just rely on the air bubble system.

Fish in the Frozen North -5F and sunny 8)

tan.b · March 11th, 2007

i guess its that old patience thing again! that word crops up alot with fishkeeping!!! bet you cant wait and lok at it longingly everytime you walk past it!!! i do with the leaky one in the garage pending repair!!
i dread to think what a 2 yr tank looks like when its stripped down!! my 45 gal was pretty gammy when i emptied that into the 2x28gals!! and that was only a month or so old!!
bear with me as you lost me a little........are the fish going into the new tank temporarily just until the original tank is restored to its former glory, or are they moving into the new tank permanently?either way.....any plans as to what new fish you're getting to fill the newly available space? or are you that overstocked that by the time you re-arrange all the fish they'll be about full anyway? (i dont know the sizes of fish you've got to have any idea of how many gals they need!)

have fun!!!

tan