Group Buy Suggestions

[mnat]

The BOD and the group buy committee are going to be getting together shortly to setup the buy schedule for next year. We decided to throw this thread up and see what are members were interested in doing a buy this year and also recommend some stores/websites that you would like to see us go though.

Some quick notes: We have three drop off point we are going to be cycling through north, south and central. We will let you all know when we announce the buys where the drop off location is going to be so you can plan accordingly. We are going to try and look for places that are a bit more specific for what we are doing the buy for. We fell that we had so many sites that opened up the entire website it may have diluted the buys as the year went on. We are not against live stock group buys just realize that logistics of moving live animals and having a shipping delivery point and pickup can be difficult. We do have members organized group buys if people in geographical locations would like to do a live stock buy together to keep it simple.

Again, any questions let us know.

 

[TanksNStuff]

Guess I'll kick this thread off with a suggestion. I know there are many people in the club with nano tanks that have the standard lighting which usually isn't optimal for corals.

How about a GB from an LED vendor that specializes in upgrade kits for nanos?

As far as an actual vendor, I'd like to suggest one of our newest sponsors: Steve's LED's. They have some pre-made kits and I'm pretty sure he can custom make kits for other sized tanks if we asked. From what I hear, his tubular heat sinks are ideal for nanos because they're compact and allow the heat to escape the hood very easily.

Other vendor suggestions would be welcomed too.

 

[AJ1080]

I understand your concerns about a live stock group buy but I think it can be done in an easier fashion if it is organized correctly. I agree with that memebers should not have to move the live stock as it is not fair for anyone. Maybe we can do it similar to how we did the salt group buy last year.

My thoughts would be to have a store in the north and the south. Maybe those stores would open the their order lists with the prices they would charge us a week or two before they place the order.

Just my thoughts.

 

[ecam]

+1 on Steve LEDs

 

[kevin]

I understand your concerns about a live stock group buy but I think it can be done in an easier fashion if it is organized correctly. I agree with that memebers should not have to move the live stock as it is not fair for anyone. Maybe we can do it similar to how we did the salt group buy last year.

My thoughts would be to have a store in the north and the south. Maybe those stores would open the their order lists with the prices they would charge us a week or two before they place the order.

Just my thoughts.

^^^ Sounds like quite an idea.

 

[NyteGTI]

^^^ Sounds like quite an idea.

x2. we COULD also get them in by Dr. Jim(im not volunteering him, just an idea) since he will QT things for a price. as long as it's not something insanely hard to keep it could be an easier way to get fully QTed fish than waiting until DR. Jim has a shipment coming. this is mainly for the guys who don't have 75+ gallon QT tanks for those tangs people want(Sunny )

 

[TanksNStuff]

I understand your concerns about a live stock group buy but I think it can be done in an easier fashion if it is organized correctly. I agree with that memebers should not have to move the live stock as it is not fair for anyone. Maybe we can do it similar to how we did the salt group buy last year.

My thoughts would be to have a store in the north and the south. Maybe those stores would open the their order lists with the prices they would charge us a week or two before they place the order.

Just my thoughts.

Arnie, that does sound like a good idea. The only problem is, there really aren't any stores "down south" that we can get to do a group buy (for fish). About the furthest south we could find a store to go through would be Allquatics (Trenton area) or Tropiquarium (Ocean Twp. area)... and those are technically in Central NJ. Both of those would be a pretty far drive for someone who lives in Cape May or Atlantic City area. Same goes for those who live way up North and them having a hike to drive to get to the usual vendors in North-Central area.

This is where the traveling issues would be a big factor with regards to livestock group buys. It would have to require a great deal of planning to pull it off.

If we were going to do a GB on corals, then there are a couple sponsors down south that we could use (Candy Corals, Reefs Plus, etc.).

Sorry, don't mean to sound negative to your idea. Just providing more details on why we consider it difficult to pull off.

 

[Edwardw771]

Better Carbon and GFO. RowaPhos would be nice. How about DI Resin?

 

[HH reefer]

Generators, nuff said

 

[AJ1080]

Arnie, that does sound like a good idea. The only problem is, there really aren't any stores "down south" that we can get to do a group buy (for fish). About the furthest south we could find a store to go through would be Allquatics (Trenton area) or Tropiquarium (Ocean Twp. area)... and those are technically in Central NJ. Both of those would be a pretty far drive for someone who lives in Cape May or Atlantic City area. Same goes for those who live way up North and them having a hike to drive to get to the usual vendors in North-Central area.

This is where the traveling issues would be a big factor with regards to livestock group buys. It would have to require a great deal of planning to pull it off.

If we were going to do a GB on corals, then there are a couple sponsors down south that we could use (Candy Corals, Reefs Plus, etc.).

Sorry, don't mean to sound negative to your idea. Just providing more details on why we consider it difficult to pull off.

Hey George,

I understand what you are saying but at the same time last year we did a Invert Group buy with the only store being in Central Jersey. From what I saw there was a lot of people who did get on that list and did drive quite a distance to get there. Because of the size of the state, theres always going to be distances anyway you look at it. I live in Central Jersey and its still a 45 minute ride to the nearest vendor with a store front. If I knew I was getting a fish that I was having a difficult time finding, I would definatly drive the extra hour to get it.

 

[AqOb]

I would have to agree, a fish group buy would be a logistical nightmare. You would need to find 2 stores that work with the same vendor, and be willing to make decisions fast as availability quickly changes. Second you would need to coordinate every member to meet at the store of their choice early in the morning shortly after they got off the plane. You would then quickly need to get all fish home and acclimate them accordingly. I just don't see 20 people all being able to pick their purchases up on the same weekday morning.
Just my .02,
Ethan

 

[redfishbluefish]

Generators, nuff said

The best $300 I’ve spent. THIS little generator from Sam's was run 24/7 for seven-plus days during Sandy. I ran my entire tank, refrigerator, boiler, television, and a few lights. My only complaint is that it is a bit loud. Next time (if there is one), I’ll locate the generator further away from the house. Not sure if you can beat the price for the power output.

 

[jgraz]

The best $300 I’ve spent. THIS little generator from Sam's was run 24/7 for seven-plus days during Sandy. I ran my entire tank, refrigerator, boiler, television, and a few lights. My only complaint is that it is a bit loud. Next time (if there is one), I’ll locate the generator further away from the house. Not sure if you can beat the price for the power output.

Not kidding about beating that price. I might have to check that out.
But I would also like to second the suggestion of a generator group buy. Not sure how this could be worked out but def something to consider. I also like the idea of a livestock buy if we can figure it out.

 

[MatteZ]

Not kidding about beating that price. I might have to check that out.
But I would also like to second the suggestion of a generator group buy. Not sure how this could be worked out but def something to consider. I also like the idea of a livestock buy if we can figure it out.

For what it is worth I use grainger, HD Supply, and Home Depot for my job. I bet if I were to ask my reps for each they would jump at the idea. They always cut prices.

 

[Coolaid]

I know livestock is an issue, but what about contacting gulf coast ecosystems for a macro group buy.. His shipping is fairly cheap at $15 maybe he can work out a price list for us on some nice prices or something.

Also, would love an LED group buy.

Fish and corals are always welcome even though it sounds like it would happen. I was really looking forward to the invert group buy this fall and never saw a thread about it. I'm not FAR south, but I am willing to help with holding stuff for other members if needed this year.

 

[radiata]

Generators, nuff said

YES! I need a 7000kw propane...

 

[redfishbluefish]

YES! I need a 7000kw propane...

Bob, you might want to reconsider propane when you look at the consumption on generators. From Sandy, I heard some folks went through 6 – 7 hundred dollars of propane in a week of running their generators. I had gasoline and would guess that I used considerably less than 100 dollars in gas in a week of running it 24/7.

 

[kschweer]

Bob, you might want to reconsider propane when you look at the consumption on generators. From Sandy, I heard some folks went through 6 – 7 hundred dollars of propane in a week of running their generators. I had gasoline and would guess that I used considerably less than 100 dollars in gas in a week of running it 24/7.

+1
What you can do is get a gas generator and install a tri-fuel carburetor. This will allow you to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. Something like that would come in handy if gas is hard to come by like it was after sandy in some places.

 

[JRWOHLER]

Bob, you might want to reconsider propane when you look at the consumption on generators. From Sandy, I heard some folks went through 6 – 7 hundred dollars of propane in a week of running their generators. I had gasoline and would guess that I used considerably less than 100 dollars in gas in a week of running it 24/7.

My natural gas bill for the month was 200 bucks...upside was my electric was only 50. Installation was high though.

 

[jose7878]

How about a bulb group buy.