ejaustin

I'm in. (And the ARC discount worked fine for me.)

10 Dwarf Cerith USD2.30

2 Fuzzy Chiton* USD5.98

5 Zig Zag Periwinkles USD1.00

2 Limpets* USD1.50

5 Nassarius Vibex USD2.25

1 1 Penny Macro Algae USD0.01

1 Fauchea (Red Dictyota) USD7.99

SubTotal : USD21.03

Coupon Discount: - USD3.15

Shipping and Handling Fee : USD0.00

Tax Total : USD0.00

Total: USD17.88

Thanks for setting this up. And thanks to John, too, of course.

ej

I'm interested. Where and when do I pick it up?

ej

PM sent.

ej

OK...I'll give it a try!!! This was a birthday gift from River City Aquatics acan shipment last week; to me, from me!!!

Didn't you have a birthday last month, too?

ej

When does the group buy close and how much is the shipping if we don't make the minimum?

ej

PS Everyone remember your 1 penny algae when you order!

I have a rock with some zoas on it that has way too much algae on it. For some reason, the algae eaters in my tank have not mowed this one. I don't want an emerald crab in my tank because I'm afraid it would eventually attack my shrimp/goby pair. I'd be happy if someone would borrow it to feed a critter or two.

ej

I don't really know. I would guess that if he got in, he can get out. It's surprising the small spaces animals in general can fit through. He may feel safer being in a small space until the world stops moving. (I would.) Could be doing the shrimp equivalent of staying in the doorway.

Hoping for the best.

ej

I got an email from saltysupply.com that they have zeovit supplements for 2 days only. Code: ZEOSAVE

I know some people here do the zeovit stuff, so I thought I'd mention it. Don't know anything else about it.

ej

Glass Cages sells a 45 gallon that is 48 x 12½ x 17 Tall. $81. Of course, that doesn't include stand or shipping.

ej

This morning we found my tri-color wrasse dead this morning. He was in a bubble of clear mucus. (I believe wrasses are one of the kinds of fish that sleep in a mucus cocoon.) There was some webby looking stuff around the bubble, but I don't see anything that indicates that they contributed to Lightning's death. There were pieces missing from his body (like bites). I did add some halloween crabs recently (orange and black hermits). I don't know if one of them did anything to contribute or not. There have been other hermits in the tank since before the fish (red-legged and zebras).

I really liked this fish. I'm sad that he died. I'm not sure how to figure out if the new crabs (or anyone else in the tank) would pose a threat to the other fish, or to any new fish I might get.

sigh

ej

Great Question.

You decide what you want, add up all that stuff, then pay me before the cutoff date (Friday, June 26th @ 12pm). I then place the order like I was ordering everything alone, it gets shipped to me, then you come pick up your items.

Another important point is that if you want WYSIWYG items, you should let Mark know when you decide. On previous orders, Vivid has been good about holding WYSIWYG items for people who wanted them, but you have to speak up for them to be held.

ej

PS Sorry, Mark. I thought it is an important thing for people new to group buys to know.

Would those who participated in this group buy let everyone know what their impressions are, how well their critters matched their expectations, and whether they would consider buying from Pacific East again? I just think it's good information for other members of the club to have...

Thanks.

ej

I tried taking picture, but I can't do them justice. I really need to go get a tripod for my camera. I'm happy with what I got. Most of the zoas are in the red and green families. A couple have striking neon green mouths and there are some with yellows and blues. I think it's a good value for the price. For someone starting up a new tank who wants to add some good colors without spending a bundle.

I got a couple of the orange snails. They are about the size of astreas and have a split foot like a turbo. I also got a couple of the halloween hermit crabs, too. I'll let everyone know if they cause any trouble or do anything especially cool.

Bottom line: I think we got good service and a good value. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid. I would order from this store again.

ej

Do we have seperate invoices showing the breakdown on what we got charged?

My order detail page on their website does not reflect the buy one get one free and the split shipping.

Yes, everyone has an individual invoice with a price breakdown.

ej

Okay, I spoke to Beth and Rachel at Pacific East. Both seem very nice and concerned with our satisfaction. Rachel said when she ran the charges the first time, she did not divvy up the box fee correctly. Since the batch hadn't been loaded, she thought it would cause less confusion to void the first charges and submit the corrected charges. You know how banks are... much quicker to reserve funds than to release them. Even so, the incorrect charge should be corrected soon (within a couple day is my guess). If you want her to, Rachel can send you a copy of the void transactions.

ej

Everything in all orders appears to be present and accounted for. Also, they included a free zoa for each of us and a postcard good for 15% off our next order. The packing was good. Styrofoam with newspaper and a couple small cold packs. All the bags on the bottom of the box (not stacked). Not remarkable, but good. The bags with the goodies filled the entire box.

The frags don't seem to be the oversized ones we've seen from Vivid. We'll see how they look when they open up. Daniel and I each got a 20-pack of zoa frags, so I'm interested to see what kind of selection they chose. Their site does say there could be repeats, so I'll be interested to see how many repeats. I didn't get any wysiwyg, but it will be good to hear from Yasmin and Chiu if they are happy with their wysiwyg items.

Their store just opened, so I'll give them another call about the billing stuff.

ej

They are here!!! And, yes, Daniel, your stuff is in the box. Also have stuff for Yasmin and Chiu. Come and get it!!!

My cell phone, if you need it, is 512-497-9799.

See y'all soon.

ej

Since you were charged, I expect your stuff will be in the order. I'll let you know as soon as I open the box. Should be here soon.

ej

Our guys are on the truck. I've called Pacific East about the double charges, but they are not open yet. My address is

7724 Croftwood Drive

Austin, Texas 78749

From William Cannon and Brodie, go south on Brodie. Go through 2 intersections with traffic lights. Turn right on the next street. That's Croftwood. We are on the right. We have an unpainted picket fence. Might be a silver HHR at the curb. My red eclipse will be in the driveway.

I'll let you know when the box gets here.

ej

Here's the tracking information:

Number of Packages 1

UPS Service: NEXT DAY AIR

Weight: 20.0 LBS

Tracking Number: 1ZA85T650144709992

You can track your shipment by visiting http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/process...85T650144709992 on the Internet.

They never called me either. Also, someone told me he has 2 charges. I checked and I have 2 charges, too. Everyone, please check your payment method and let me know if you see a double charge as well. I will call them first thing in the morning to get them to explain / fix it.

ej

Okay, I've received the tracking number, but I can't do fancy stuff like copy-and-paste with my iPhone. I'll post it later when I'm home. Will be delivered by UPS tomorrow by 10:30 am.

Watch this space.

ej

I'm so sorry to hear about your losses.

ej

haha its not because I'm scared or anything, I'm just not used to going to people's houses for business. I have this overwhelming idea that "home" is for peace and quiet times, and a place for relaxation. I expect its the same for other people, so I would rather not intrude, even though I am invited xD

I know its dumb but its a subconscious thing and no matter how much I go to other people's houses, I can't shake it.

But just as everyone says, I'm going to have to learn to trade at other people's houses, it'll give me a chance to know everyone.

I am totally with you. I am extremely introverted (although not shy) and I find it taxing and often uncomfortable to be with people I don't know well. But not everyone is the same way. Some people find it energizing to have others around, even strangers. Even quirky strangers like me. And many people *love* the opportunity to show off their tanks with someone else who is actually interested. I do view my house as a refuge where I can relax and have soothing quiet and predictability. At the same time, I do enjoy having people over to my house as long as there aren't too many and it's not for too long. An agreed-to, brief visit is not disruptive or intrusive, even by my hypersensitive standards.

Do try a meeting or two. You might enjoy them. I generally go (although this month I think I'm going to go to the coast instead), although I often come kinda of late and leave early. No one seems to mind. I don't have anything to trade and I don't have a lot to contribute to conversations. My tank is small and low-tech, my corals are few and common, and, well, I'm pretty socially awkward. Again, no one seems to mind. (I'm also intelligent and kind-hearted and creative. I don't think I'm a loser. I just recognize my own quirks.) The meetings are a bit of a stretch for me, but I think it's a good stretch.

There's a forum in the classified section for group buys. azcummins has co-ordinated some with Vivid Aquariums and overall people have been very pleased with their purchases. Read a couple of the threads and you'll get an idea of how they work. (Each vendor does it a little differently.)

Anyway, welcome and good luck. Don't feel like an odd duck. All kinds of people enjoy living with saltwater critters.

ej

What is the cutoff time for June 11th?

I am waiting to see if they will add anything new. They added new stuff last night around 7pm (cst). I'm hoping they will add more.

The cut off time is noon. Eastern Time, I assume. That would be 11am Central.

ej

Dumb question: We pay when we receive the e-mail?

You give your payment info when you check out. They will charge you when the order ships.

ej